NBA: Aldridge to play, delay surgery on injured thumb

PORTLAND, United States – Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge has postponed planned surgery on an injured left thumb and will stay in the lineup, the NBA club said Saturday.

The update came two days after the Trail Blazers announced Aldridge could miss between six weeks and two months of the season for an operation on a torn ligament.

Aldridge was injured in Monday’s victory over Sacramento when he collided with center DeMarcus Cousins and then missed Wednesday’s loss to Phoenix, but was set to rejoin the roster Saturday against Washington.

Aldridge has averaged 23.2 points and 10.2 rebounds over 38 games for the Trail Blazers, leading the club in both categories. While not voted in as a starter, he might yet receive a berth in his fourth NBA All-Star Game in a row.

The Trail Blazers are 31-13, third overall in the Western Conference and leading the Northwest division by 8.5 games over Oklahoma City.

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