Oklahoma City--Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams is expected to be sidelined for at least three weeks after undergoing surgery Monday for a broken ringfinger on his right hand.
Thunder president and general manager Sam Presti said Adams had his fractured fourth metacarpal repaired but will not be re-evaluated until March.
Adams has averaged 7.4 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.22 blocked shots in 24 minutes a game over 50 appearances this season for the Thunder, all in starting roles.
He was to have played in the Rising Stars Challenge at this week's NBA All-Star Game festivities in New York.
Adams played only 12 minutes in Sunday's 131-108 triumph over the visiting Los Angeles Clippers, which left the Thunder 26-25 on the season, two games behind Phoenix for the eighth and final Western Conference playoff berth.
The Thunder have battled back since a poor start to the season while 2014 NBA Most Valuable Player Kevin Durant and backcourt playmaker Russell Westbrook were sidelined with injuries.
AFP
