Gasol out indefinitely after hand surgery

SAN ANTONIO – Spurs center Pau Gasol has undergone surgery to repair a fractured left ring finger.

The Spurs said they have not determined a timeline for Gasol’s return after Friday’s procedure.

The 16-year veteran fractured his left fourth metacarpal Thursday night while in the layup line prior to San Antonio’s home victory over Denver. Attempting a running hook while coming in from the left side of the basket, Gasol jammed his left hand into Kyle Anderson’s left shoulder. Gasol immediately grabbed his hand and exited the court shortly thereafter to undergo X-rays, which revealed the break.

It was the first game Gasol missed due to injury this season. He sat out two games for rest.

The 7-foot center from Spain is in his 16th NBA season, but first with the Spurs after signing as a free agent following two seasons in Chicago. He is averaging 11.7 points and 7.9 rebounds in 39 games.

San Antonio (33-9), which visits Cleveland on Saturday, has the league’s second-best record.