NBA roundup: Lakers' Gasol returns; 76ers sign Mack
Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol was expected to come off the bench Thursday night against the visiting Miami Heat.
Gasol has missed the past five games because of a concussion he sustained Jan. 6 against the Denver Nuggets. He participated in 3-on-3 drills Wednesday.
"I feel better and tomorrow I'll be a go," Gasol told ESPNLos Angeles. "I guess I have to ease my way back into it because this is the first day I've actually got some good work done on the court. After a week and a half of inactivity, your body needs a certain amount of time to get back out there and perform at your best."
He could return to the starting lineup by Sunday when the Lakers take on the host Toronto Raptors.
---The Philadelphia 76ers signed guard Shelvin Mack to a 10-day contract.
Mack averaged 20.5 points, 8.0 assists, 4.9 rebounds and 1.43 steals and shot 46.2 percent from the floor, 41.8 percent from 3-point range and 89.6 percent from the free-throw line in 14 games with the Maine Red Claws of the D-League this season. He ranks third in the D-League in scoring and first in assists.
Also, the 10-day contract of guard Maalik Wayns expired. He averaged 2.7 points and 1.0 assists in 7.9 minutes in 21 games for Philadelphia.
---Center Dexter Pittman was recalled by the Miami Heat from the Sioux Falls Skyforce of the Development League.
Pittman was assigned to the Skyforce on Dec. 26. He played in 10 games, averaging 12 points and 8.5 rebounds a game.
