Steven Adams Injury Update: Thunder Star Undergoes Surgery on Fractured Hand

Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams underwent surgery on his fractured right hand Monday morning and is expected to miss at least the next three weeks. 

Darnell Mayberry of The Oklahoman reported the news:

Adams, 21, was injured in the second quarter of Sunday's 131-108 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. Fouled by center Spencer Hawes on a loose ball, Adams was in noticeable pain as he went to the free-throw line for two shots, choosing to shoot left-handed rather than put pressure on his right hand.

Oklahoma City committed an intentional foul immediately after Adams drained the second free throw, and he was taken for X-rays that determined his hand was fractured. Adams exited with five points, two rebounds and two blocks in 12 minutes.

In his second season out of Pittsburgh, the 7-footer moved into the starting lineup for Kendrick Perkins and has seen marked improvements on both ends. He's averaging 7.4 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game on 54.7 percent shooting. The Thunder are on average 1.4 points per 100 possessions better with Adams on the floor, per Basketball-Reference.

A three-week injury would typically be a cause for concern with Oklahoma City competing for a playoff berth, but timing here is key. The Thunder play only two more times before the NBA's week-long All-Star break. Adams could miss as few as nine games if his recovery goes as expected.

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