Peeler May Be Missing for Game 1

The Lakers on Monday listed Anthony Peeler as doubtful for Thursday night’s playoff opener against the Houston Rockets because of the strained right calf muscle he sustained Sunday in the regular-season finale.

An examination by team physician Steve Lombardo determined the injury is a moderate strain.

Peeler was ruled out of today’s two workouts and is considered day to day, but unlikely for Game 1 of the first-round, best-of-five series.

Peeler played a major role as the Lakers won 12 of their last 16 games, averaging 16 points in only 24.1 minutes off the bench in that time, and made 48.3% of his three-point shots the last 10 outings.

Peeler had 20 points Sunday night at Portland when he pulled up in obvious pain with about 7:15 remaining, lowered himself to the floor and then, with assistance from trainer Gary Vitti, hobbled to the locker room.

Because it can be a lingering injury, the Lakers might not want their backup shooting guard to play until he’s 100% sound rather than risk worsening the problem.

A similar strain, to the same muscle in the same leg, cost Magic Johnson four games and most of two others in February.

The Rockets, meanwhile, opened a mini-camp Monday in Galveston, Texas, about 50 miles from Houston, with their own injury concerns, though with a far more encouraging prognosis.

Clyde Drexler sat out Sunday’s victory over the Phoenix Suns because of soreness and fluid around the right knee, an injury he suffered in a collision a few games ago and is apparently not related to his surgery there in late February.

Drexler participated in most of Monday’s workout, then said he plans to be back in the starting lineup for Game 1.

Sam Cassell skipped Sunday’s game because of a sore left foot, but that was more of a precaution than a necessity. He also practiced Monday.

Cassell, the Rockets’ sixth man, had recently returned after sitting out five weeks following elbow surgery.