National Basketball Association

Blazers F LaMarcus Aldridge leaves game with injured hand

Published Mar. 21, 2015 10:12 p.m. ET

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MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) Portland Trail Blazers All-Star forward LaMarcus Aldridge left Saturday night's loss to the Memphis Grizzlies with an injured left hand.

Portland's leading scorer at 23.6 points per game hurt his hand in the first half and did not start the second. X-rays were negative.

Aldridge, who also averages 10.5 rebounds, injured his left thumb earlier this season and missed several games in January. He opted to play through the injury rather than have surgery.

In addition to Aldridge, Nicolas Batum also did not start the second half for Portland and didn't return due to lower back pain.

Aldridge left the arena with his swollen hand wrapped. He said the injury is more to the hand and not isolated to his thumb. He indicated he would take his time in returning.

''They said it wasn't broke, so that's good,'' Aldridge said after his Blazers lost 97-86. ''...I thought it was messed up at first because it was such a sharp pain. But the doctors just recommended rest, so that's good.

''I'll try to get back as soon as possible. I'm not trying to rush it.''

Batum said he felt a sharp pain in his legs and back.

''I need to sit right now and rest so I can get back as soon as possible,'' Batum said.