National Basketball Association

Magic forward Brandon Bass to play against Lakers

Published Feb. 13, 2011 2:46 p.m. ET

foxsports

Magic coach Stan Van Gundy says forward Brandon Bass won't start but is expected to play against the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Magic's frontcourt has been thin since Bass sprained his left ankle in Orlando's 100-97 loss at Memphis on Jan. 31. He has missed the past six games. Orlando has gone 3-3 without him.

Van Gundy didn't anticipate getting Bass back until after the All-Star break, but said Sunday he had healed quicker than expected.

Bass said he ''felt pretty good'' after Saturday's practice and had been making progress daily. He says he hasn't been wearing a brace in practice, but has been using extra tape on his ankle.