Lakers injury updates and probable starting lineup against Houston

Pau Gasol Out, Jordan Farmar game-time decision

The big question on Lakers minds was if center Pau Gasol would be playing against the Houston Rockets Wednesday night. Lakers head coach Mike D’ Antoni answered that seconds into meeting with reporters after Wednesday’s shoot around, saying the Gasol would not play in Wednesday’s home game. But the indication is that the center is near returning to the court.

“I think he’s okay. I think he’s fine once he gets one more practice,” D’ Antoni said.  We’ll practice Thursday…probable Friday.” Gasol was diagnosed with a strained groin to start the month of February and has been sidelined since then.

Gasol was not made available to talk to reporters, but did participate in shoot around, hanging around after most players headed to the locker room and looked good.

Someone who might play Wednesday night is guard Jordan Farmar. D’ Antoni said Farmar will be a game time decision, and if he is cleared by the doctors before the game he will be have some limitations.

“If Farmar does play, we won’t play him a whole lot,” said D’ Antoni.

Farmar has dealt with hamstring injuries as of late and recently returned to the court. But the veteran aggravated a calf injury in the Lakers win over Cleveland.

 Wednesday’s lineup 

D’ Antoni gave a probable lineup against Houston that included guard Kendall Marshall, Steve Blake, Wesley Johnson,  Ryan Kelly and Chris Kaman.

Kaman has seen his time increase since the Gasol injury, surpassing the 20 minute mark in minutes played in the Lakers last four games, which had not happened since Dec. 27. The center had also scored in double digits in the last five games, including 27 points in a loss to Chicago.

Jodie Meeks Returns

The Lakes will welcome back Jodie Meeks back to the court on the Wednesday after losing Meeks to a sprained ankle which he suffered against Minnesota on Feb. 4.

“I think he’s 100 percent,” said D’ Antoni. He also added that Meeks will come off the bench and will not have any limitations on him.

“Unfortunately we have been losing,” Meeks said. “But I’m just trying to do what I can to help the team out each and every night.”  Meeks also added that he felt 100 percent

“Meeks and Farmar both coming back will be great, if Farmar can come back tonight,” said D’ Antoni. “That will get Ryan back to his four spot and we’ll have enough perimeters to not get someone tired.”