NBA: Cleveland’s Varejao out for season

In this photo taken on Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2014, Cleveland Cavaliers center Anderson Varejao (17) writhes in pain after getting injured during the third quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Cleveland. A person familiar with the injury says the Cavaliers starting center tore his Achilles tendon and will miss the rest of the season. (AP Photo/The Plain Dealer, Thomas Ondrey)

CLEVELAND, United States — Cleveland Cavaliers center Anderson Varejao, who was injured in the third quarter of Tuesday’s game, will be out for the rest of the NBA season, the club said Wednesday.

The 32-year-old Varejao suffered a torn Achilles tendon during Tuesday’s 125-104 win over Minnesota.

Varejao collapsed under the basket while going for a rebound during the victory and had to be helped off the court.

He averaged 9.8 points and 6.5 rebounds per game this season. This will be the fourth time in the last five seasons that Varejao will miss at least 50 games.

Tristan Thompson will likely replace Varejao as the starting center.