GRIZZLIES FIRE COACH FIZDALE

The Grizzlies fired coach David Fizdale on Monday, with the team at 7-12 and a day after he benched center Marc Gasol for the fourth quarter of an eighth straight loss.

Associate head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, a graduate of Denver East High School, has been named interim coach.

“After a thorough evaluation, I decided a change in course was necessary to move forward and provide the team and organization its best chance at success this season and beyond,” General manager Chris Wallace said in a statement.

Gasol, given a maximum deal by the Grizzlies in July 2015, sat throughout the fourth quarter of a 98-88 loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday. Gasol leads the Grizzlies in points, rebounds and assists, and he was an all-star in Fizdale’s inaugural season. But the center spent plenty of time after the game making it clear to reporters how upset he was at sitting out a full quarter.

Fizdale explained his decision before Gasol spoke in the locker room and said he simply was trying to win a game while sticking with his reserves. Fizdale said taking a risk as head coach means sometimes upsetting a player or two.

“If I’m not on the floor, I’m not valued,” Gasol said. “I’m sure (the coaching staff ) knew that would hurt me the most.”

Pop weighs in on Leonard.

ANTONIO» Spurs coach SAN

Gregg Popovich disputed Tony Parker’s assertion that star forward Kawhi Leonard would return to action “in a couple weeks, three weeks,” but he said Leonard is making significant strides.

“He’s getting close and making progress,” Popovich said. “He’s having contact now, and hopefully, we’ll get him back shortly.”

Trio of Warriors hurting.

CALIF.» Stephen Curry OAKLAND, and Kevin Durant were sidelined with injuries for Monday night’s late game against Sacramento, while key backup Andre Iguodala was listed as doubtful with a sore left knee.

Curry has a bruised right hand, while NBA Finals MVP Durant was set to miss his third straight game and fourth game in the last five because of a sprained left ankle. He played in a loss to the Thunder last Wednesday.

Rose in contact with Cavs.

Cavaliers guard Derrick Rose is staying in communication with the franchise’s front office during his self-imposed exile, but his future status with the team remains unclear. — The Associated Press