Pre-game warmups can be dangerous, apparently.
While getting ready for the San Antonio Spurs’ Thursday night date with the Denver Nuggets, Pau Gasol sustained a fairly serious left hand injury, per the San Antonio Express-News‘ Melissa Rohlin:
Pau Gasol sustained a fractured fourth metacarpal in his left hand during warmups Thursday before the Spurs hosted the Denver Nuggets.
He immediately walked off of the court during warmups grimacing and holding his left hand, and did not return for the game. X-rays revealed the fracture.
The Spurs said that there is no immediate timeline for Gasol’s return.
Kawhi Leonard suffered a fourth metacarpal fracture during the 2013-14 season, and missed 14 games because of the injury.
Here’s what Gregg Popovich had to say on Gasol’s status afterward, per Rohlin:
Pop said Pau will be out for "a while" and won't travel w the team on their 4-game trip. He said Tony will likely play vs Cleveland on Sat.
— Melissa Rohlin (@melissarohlin) January 20, 2017
Teams never want to lose one of their starters, but the Spurs are uniquely positioned to survive without Gasol. David Lee can slide into his starting spot without issue; he might even end up being a defensive upgrade.
Plus, the Spurs have a better net rating when Gasol sits, according to NBA.com. There is a lot of situational drivel in there. San Antonio, after all, also has a better net rating when Kawhi Leonard takes a seat. But that speaks to the Spurs’ depth more than anything else.
With the All-Star break on the horizon in the next month, Gasol’s injury is one the team should have no trouble overcoming. It’s more important to them that he be healthy and available as they gear up for their postseason push in April, which gives him plenty of time to get right.
On the bright side, Gasol’s absence should mean more regular spin for Dewayne Dedmon, which is pretty sweet.
