Pau Gasol, Jordan Hill are expected to play Sunday against Portland

Pau Gasol and Jordan Hill took part in the Lakers’ Sunday morning shoot-around and were expected to play Sunday night against Portland, Coach Mike D’Antoni said.

Gasol has a sprained right ankle and sprained left hand; Hill has a sprained left ankle.

Gasol started slowly this season but has played better lately, averaging 19 points and 9.2 rebounds in his last five games.

Hill, on the other hand, has been slumping after an initial burst when he was promoted to the starting lineup. He has averaged 6.8 points on 40.4% shooting over his last five games. His work on the boards, though, has been consistent, including a 9.2-rebound average his last five games.

Neither went through a light practice Saturday but were fine Sunday.

Steve Nash had not rejoined the team as of Sunday morning after skipping a three-game road trip to rehabilitate his ailing back. Nash has played only six games this season, suffering mainly from a nerve issue in his back.

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