Lopez absence will be further blow to Nets hopes this year.
Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez has sustained a broken foot which initial reports suggest will rule him out for the rest of the season.
The Nets confirmed on Saturday that Lopez had broken his surgically repaired right foot, which he fractured back in 2011 and later had a screw replaced in.
Although the official report confirmed that he had broken his fifth metatarsal, the Nets insisted that they will provide an update on his status after a consultation with team physicians.
It is understood that Lopez suffered the injury during the overtime loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday, but continued to play for 44 minutes and finished with 22 points and seven rebounds.
However, the extent of the injury was then revealed following scans on his foot the following day, and it remains to be seen how long he will now be sidelined for.
The Nets are at 9-17 for the season, but have been ravaged by injuries which have inflicted a huge blow to their championship aspirations.
Point guard Deron Williams has missed significant playing time so far this season, while Jason Terry, Andrei Kirilenko have barely featured at all as a result of long-term injuries.
Nevertheless, Lopez’s absence is likely to be the biggest blow to rookie coach Jason Kidd, as he was averaging 20.7 points per game and six rebounds as well as providing a real presence on both ends of the court.
It was widely recognised that Williams and Lopez would be key to Brooklyn’s chances this year, and it is now expected that Kidd will be forced to play Kevin Garnett at center and Andray Blatche will see increased minutes.
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