OKC Thunder's Kiwi centre Steven Adams has been ruled out of their NBA clash with the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday (NZ time) with a leg injury.
During Thursday's win over the Los Angeles Lakers, Adams took a nasty tumble during a battle with fellow centre JaVale McGee.
Adams' leg appeared to buckle as he hit the floor, but he somehow made a difficult shot.
He left the court briefly for treatment, but soon returned to help his team to a 105-86 win, finishing with 18 points and seven rebounds.
After the game, Adams insisted he was fine, saying his leg healed after he found out he scored, but Thunder coach Billy Donovan is taking the cautious approach and doesn't want to risk further damage.
"This is something that we feel was better for Steven to take a game and to rest and to get himself feeling a little better," says Donovan.
Adams' presence on the court was sorely missed as the Thunder slumped to a 121-92 defeat.
Adams is likely to return on Monday when the Thunder face the Washington Wizards.
The remainder of the 2019-20 NBA season is being played at Disney's ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida.
As part of the games return, every NBA player is permitted to have pre-approved social justice message on the back of their jerseys as part of their support for the 'Black Lives Matter' movement.
Adams' message is the Māori phrase 'Kia Kaha' - meaning 'be strong'.
