National Basketball Association

Victor Oladipo out indefinitely with facial fracture

Published Oct. 24, 2014 11:07 a.m. ET

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ORLANDO, Fla. -- What was already a difficult month for Victor Oladipo just got worse.

The Orlando Magic announced Friday that Oladipo will be out indefinitely after suffering a facial fracture in practice Thursday when he took an inadvertent elbow during a practice drill. The second pick in the 2013 NBA Draft is scheduled to undergo a corrective surgical procedure Saturday.

Oladipo has not played in the preseason after spraining the medial collateral ligament in his right knee three weeks ago during training camp. Except for a layup line which he went through Monday during the Magic's open practice at the Amway Center, Thursday marked the first time he took part in drills with his teammates since hurting his knee.

With Oladipo out, either Evan Fournier or Maurice Harkless is likely to start at shooting guard when the Magic begin their regular season Tuesday night at New Orleans. Fournier has struggled for much of the preseason after being acquired from the Denver Nuggets on draft night for Aaron Afflalo, while Harkless is getting more of a look at a new position following the drafting of forward Aaron Gordon.

Ben Gordon, a 10-year veteran who was signed as a free agent over the summer, could also see an increase in his minutes off the bench.

Oladipo started in 44 games as a rookie and averaged 13.8 points a game, the second-highest mark among all first-year players. He also led the Magic in steals while averaging more than 31 minutes a game.

You can follow Ken Hornack on Twitter @HornackFSFla or email him at khornack32176@gmail.com.

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