Portland Trail Blazers starting center Robin Lopez will sit out a game for the first time in nearly three years after breaking his hand Monday night in a win over the San Antonio Spurs.
Lopez, who according to Blazers coach Terry Stotts will "be out a while," injured his right hand early in the third quarter of the 108-95 victory after hitting his hand hard on Boris Diaw's head and did not return.
"It's a little frustrating," said Lopez, who said there might be two breaks in his hand and that it would be re-evaluated Tuesday. "I've been pretty fortunate with injuries in my career."
Lopez was averaging 9.8 points and 7.3 rebounds in 25 games for the Blazers, who stand fourth in the West at 19-6.
He also had played in every game for Portland last season and for New Orleans in 2012-13.
Lopez, drafted by Phoenix No. 15 overall in 2008 out of Stanford, last missed a game in January 2012 in his fourth season with the Suns.
The Blazers have used Chris Kaman off the bench at center this season after he signed as a free agent this summer, with power forward LaMarcus Aldridge anchoring Portland's offense near the basket.
"He's a big part of this offense and this team and our identity," Aldridge said of Lopez. "He does so many things that people don't notice. He's a hard worker, the guy that does all the things that nobody else really does in the first unit. So it's going to be tough."
Lopez also weighed in via Twitter after the game.
Two positives:
1. We got a deep squad
2. Lots of love from the chicks
#IGotThisWrasslinABear #NeverSayDie #RIPCITY pic.twitter.com/D68bEXsdpV
— Robin Lopez (@rolopez42) December 16, 2014Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.