Jusuf Nurkic's Leg Injury Diagnosed as a Fracture, Out at Least 2 Weeks

The Portland Trail Blazers announced an MRI revealed big man Jusuf Nurkic suffered a "non-displaced right leg fibular fracture" and will be re-evaluated in two weeks. 

Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical reported Nurkic could return for the playoffs if he's "fully functional and pain-free."

This is a difficult blow for Nurkic, who has dealt with multiple injury concerns early in his career.

He didn't make his first appearance last season until January because of a slow recovery from surgery for a partially torn left patellar tendon. He then sprained his ankle within his first month of action and experienced soreness in his left knee upon his return to the court. In all, he played in just 32 games in 2015-16.

Nurkic was seen as a potential breakout player in 2016-17 after averaging 8.2 points per game last season and turning in a second-team All-Rookie performance with 6.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per contest in 2014-15. He is averaging 10.2 points and 7.2 rebounds per game this season as a member of the Trail Blazers and Denver Nuggets.

At his best, Nurkic is a solid scorer on the low block who can control the glass and compete defensively with a number of the league's best centers.

Look for Portland to turn toward Meyers Leonard and Noah Vonleh in the frontcourt as it battles for a postseason spot with Nurkic out.