Tuesday 1 January 2019 09:20, UK
Charlotte Hornets center Cody Zeller faces a spell on the sidelines after fracturing his shooting hand during Monday's game against Orlando.
Zeller had been a regular starter for the Hornets this season, averaging 9.2 points and 6.2 rebounds in his 34 games.
Hornets coach James Borrego expects Zeller to miss at least a week with the injury to his right hand.
"Obviously, he's a big part of what we're doing," Borrego said after the 125-100 victory. "It's a big loss for us, but it's an opportunity for someone else."
Borrego could opt to use Marvin Williams as a replacement for Zeller, but the veteran admitted games would be tougher without their team-mate - his 18-game absence with knee surgery last season saw the Hornets go 2-16.
"You know how we have fared in the past when Cody has not been in uniform," Williams said.
"I love Cody. I know this team loves him. We know how important he is to this team.
"When I'm at center, what it does is (force) other teams to downsize to match up. Now they have a guy playing center who doesn't normally play center. I do get reps at center all the time in practice."
Charlotte also lost swingman Jeremy Lamb with a strained hamstring in the same game.
