Robin Lopez
Indiana Pacers forward David West (21) and Portland Trail Blazers center Robin Lopez (42) battle for position during the third quarter of the game at the Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. The Blazers won the game 88-82. Mandatory Credit: Reuters

Robin Lopez, the starting centre for the Portland Trail Blazers, is projected to be out for at least a month after suffering a right hand injury in the Monday’s game against the short-handed San Antonio Spurs.

The Trail Blazers won 108-95 but Lopez played just 19 minutes and had 4 points and 5 rebounds before leaving the game for good. The 7-foot Lopez, who is in his eighth year in the league, sustained the injury after a collision with Spurs’ big man Aron Baynes. The official diagnosis is a fracture to the right hand

“At first I thought maybe I just jammed a finger or something. I did hear it pop, but I didn’t feel any pain or anything, so I was just trying to shake it off. But as play went along, my hand never really regained any strength in it, so I figured I was more of a liability out there than anything,” Lopez said via the forwardcenter.net. Lopez shot 1-of-7 field goals for the game and was clearly affected by the hand injury. “You know, it’s a little frustrating, but like you said, I’ve been pretty fortunate with injuries. I don’t know if it’s been since my third or my fourth year where I haven’t missed a game.”

Lopez will visit a specialist on Tuesday when exact projected time of return is expected to be released. Lopez also posted on his social media account Twitter some positive vibes despite the injury.

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, 2014

Lopez has averages of 9.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.5 blocked shots in the 2014-2015 NBA season. Portland owns a 19-6 win-loss record after the win over the Spurs, or fourth overall in the tough Western Conference. In lieu of Lopez, expected to get the starting centre job is veteran Chris Kaman. Other big men like Thomas Robinson, Meyers Leonard, Joel Freeland are expected to get more playing time in Lopez’s absence.

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