(The Sports Xchange) – Charlotte Hornets shooting guard Nicolas Batum will miss a minimum of six to eight weeks after tearing the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, the club announced Thursday.
An MRI exam on Thursday revealed the tear. There are fears that Batum could end up being sidelined for as long 12 weeks due to the injury that occurred 34 seconds after the start of Wednesday’s preseason game against the Detroit Pistons.
Batum averaged 15.1 points, 6.2 rebounds and 5.9 assists last season in his second campaign with Charlotte. He is entering the second season of a five-year, $120 million contract. Sixth-year pro Jeremy Lamb and rookie Malik Monk are the candidates to start in Batum’s place.
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Cleveland Cavaliers guard Iman Shumpert is expected to be sidelined seven to 10 days with a sprained left foot, the team announced.
Shumpert sustained the injury while landing awkwardly after a missed dunk attempt during a preseason game on Wednesday.
Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue is hopeful Shumpert will return before his team concludes the preseason on Oct. 13.
The news on Shumpert was announced on the same day in which forward LeBron James (ankle) returned to practice.
James participated through an entire practice on Thursday as he continues to make progress from the left ankle he injured last week. Coach Tyronn Lue said it is possible James could even see playing time during Friday’s preseason game against the Indiana Pacers.
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Toronto Raptors guard Norman Powell agreed to a four-year, $42 million contract with the club, according to published reports.
Powell, entering his third season, was due to become a restricted free agent in July. He holds a player option on the final season of his extension.
Powell averaged 8.4 points in 76 games (18 starts) last season. He raised his level of play in the postseason when he averaged 11.7 points and shot 44.1 percent from 3-point range.
