Grizzlies’ Gasol, Bulls’ Gordon ailing

Neither has serious injuries.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON — Memphis forward Pau Gasol missed the Grizzlies’ game on Friday night against the Washington Wizards because of a sore back.

Early in the third quarter, point guard Mike Conley joined Gasol on the sideline because of a contusion in the right side of his chest and rib cage.

Gasol, the Grizzlies’ second-leading scorer with 19.1 points per game, warmed up with the team, but was ruled out about 30 minutes before the game.

It was the fifth game Gasol has missed this season. He sat out four games because of an injured big toe in December.

Memphis coach Marc Iavaroni did not mention Gasol when he was asked about his team’s injuries before the game.

Conley, who was the fourth pick in June’s NBA draft, beat out Damon Stoudamire for the starting point guard spot in late December. He came into the game averaging 8.9 points and 5 assists.

Forward Stromile Swift (ankle) also missed the game.

Bulls’ Gordon misses second game

CHICAGO — Bulls guard Ben Gordon missed Friday night’s game against the Charlotte Bobcats with a sprained right wrist.

Gordon, the team’s leading scorer, missed his second straight game and is listed day to day. He was injured Monday during a 104-90 loss at Memphis. Gordon hopes to play Sunday against the Phoenix Suns.

Gordon had an MRI on Thursday and it showed no damage.

The Bulls also played without starting forward Luol Deng, who is expected to miss one to three weeks because of his recurring left Achilles’ tendinitis.

Deng, second on the team at 17.9 points per game, missed his third straight game and Duhon missed his second consecutive game.