"They think it has to do with the anti-inflammatories ... just eroding my stomach and my (gastrointestinal) tract," he said.

"One solution is to get off the anti-inflammatories," Harpring added, "but if I do that I can't play. (So) they're going to try to give me a pill that coats my stomach."

Because he has had to fast frequently and maintain a liquid diet for most of the past week, Harpring said he has lost a significant amount of weight.

Tests he's already endured include a barium exam, insertion of a scope into his stomach and — the one that prompted further testing — an exam in which a computerized camera follows a pill as it makes its way through his system over the course of an eight-hour period.

NOTES: The Jazz on Friday still had not made a determination on the future fate of reserve shooting guard Gordan Giricek, who was ordered to return to Salt Lake City after he got into a war of words with Jazz coach Jerry Sloan during the second quarter of Wednesday's loss at Charlotte. The Jazz still have not said if they intend to buy out what's left on Giricek's contract, try to trade the veteran from Croatia or eventually reinstate him. ... Usual starting center Mehmet Okur will miss his sixth straight game tonight with a strained left shoulder, and is doubtful for Saturday's visit to Miami as well. ... With Okur still out, Sloan said centers Jarron Collins and Kyrylo Fesenko both will spend time tonight playing against Magic star Dwight Howard. "He's a wonderful player who will be hard for us to deal with because of his length, and everything, his size," Sloan said of the 6-foot-11 Howard, who is averaging 23.5 points and 15.1 rebounds per game. "We're gonna have to try to give help."

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E-mail: tbuckley@desnews.com