National Basketball Association

Cavs center Varejao to undergo more tests

Published Dec. 23, 2014 8:53 p.m. ET

foxsports

CLEVELAND (AP) Cavaliers center Anderson Varejao will undergo further tests on a potentially serious injury to his left ankle area.

Varejao sustained the injury in the third quarter of Tuesday night's 125-104 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Varejao crumpled to the floor with 7:24 remaining and stayed face down on the baseline as the entire Cavs bench and coaching staff came over to check on the popular Brazilian, who has endeared himself to Cleveland fans with his hustle.

Varejao was helped to his feet, and was assisted to the locker room without putting any weight on his leg.

Following the game, coach David Blatt provided little detail about Varejao's injury.

''He has an ankle injury of some sort,'' Blatt said. ''I really don't know right now.''

Blatt said he did not get a good look at what happened to Varejao. TV replays provided little about how the 6-foot-11 Varejao got hurt.

The Cavaliers said Varejao would be evaluated further Wednesday, with his status updated following that. He left Quicken Loans Arena on crutches and his leg immobilized in an air cast.

Varejao, who has been with Cleveland since 2004, has had numerous injury issues in recent years. He played 65 games last season after playing in just 81 combined over the three previous seasons. He has missed 165 games with injuries over the past four seasons.

One of LeBron James' favorite teammates, Varejao signed a three-year, $30 million contract extension in October.