New Orleans Pelicans center Omer Asik has been ruled out of action for three weeks after picking up a calf injury.
The injury is a blow to New Orleans in the preparations for the new season, with Asik in line to continue his front court combination with All-Star Anthony Davis after averaging 7.3 points and 8.9 rebounds in his first year with the team.
Asik strained his calf while practising with teammates on Wednesday and the issue could cause a problem for new head coach Alvin Gentry, whose side meet the Golden State Warriors in their first regular-season game on October 27.
Should the Turkish veteran not be ready for opening night, Gentry could decide to use Ryan Anderson at power forward and move Davis to center.
