Raptors centre Valanciunas sidelined by finger injury

Washington, Dec 27 (IANS): The Toronto Raptors will miss their rookie centre Jonas Valanciunas for up to six weeks while he recovers from a broken ring finger on his right hand.

Valanciunas was battling for a loose ball under the basket when he fell and was hurt during Toronto’s 93-90 victory over Orlando Magic Dec 21 in the NBA basketball tournament, reports Xinhua.

The Lithuanian saw a hand specialist in Toronto who determined that surgery will not be required.

Selected fifth overall in the 2011 NBA draft, Valanciunas has started in all 28 games for the Raptors this season, averaging 7.8 points and 5.2 rebounds. He is fourth in the league among rookies in rebounds and blocks per game.