By Bryan Chu, for NBA.com
Posted Oct 28 2009 6:39AM
LOS ANGELES -- Lakers center Pau Gasol did not play in the Lakers' season-opener against the Clippers because of a strained right hamstring, said Lakers coach Phil Jackson when he addressed media pregame.
Gasol, who was put on the inactive list, missed the last six exhibition games after injuring his hamstring in practice Oct. 10.
"We hope Friday, if possible (against the Dallas Mavericks)," said Jackson adding later "he is still fearful (about the injury). He needs to rest."
On the other side of the court, top draft pick Blake Griffin will miss up to six weeks after fracturing his left kneecap in the preseason. Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy isn't too worried, however.
"I don't think there's going to be a setback at all," he said. "He's the most advanced rookie I've ever had in terms of knowing your stuff and mentally, IQ-wise, for what he's supposed to be doing."
The 20-year-old rookie will not undergo surgery.
Griffin's injury came in the third quarter of the final preseason game against the Hornets when he landed awkwardly after a dunk. The 20-year-old rookie has already been set back a few times in his short NBA career, including a straining his right shoulder during the NBA summer league. During the preseason, Griffin averaged 13.7 points and 8.1 rebounds per game.
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