Just as things were starting to fall into place for the Los Angeles Lakers, another major injury cropped up that could severely impair the team's chances of snagging a playoff slot. Forward Pau Gasol is the latest casualty for the Lakers, suffering a torn plantar fascia in his right foot during Tuesday's win over the Brooklyn Nets. Gasol was headed back to Los Angeles to be examined by a specialist, but he is expected to miss at least four weeks. Meanwhile, the Lakers will put their three-game w

The Denver Nuggets attempt to extend their season-best winning streak to eight games when they visit the Chicago Bulls on Thursday. Denver has won 14 of 17 games and is now among the top five teams in the Western Conference standings, thanks to strong play during a home-heavy stretch. The Nuggets wrap up a six-game homestand against Chicago, which has won six of nine games. The Bulls hope to have center Joakim Noah (foot) back after a three-game absence.