John Wall has five fractures in wrist, hand; availability unknown

The Washington Wizards could be without John Wall for Game 3 of their second-round playoff series against the Atlanta Hawks because the All-Star point guard has five non-displaced fractures in his left wrist and hand, the team announced Thursday.

The Wizards won Game 1 of the series on Sunday in Atlanta. Wall was hurt during the game and did not play in a Game 2 loss to the Hawks because swelling in the wrist and hand made it difficult for him to handle the ball.

The team said initial X-rays after Game 1 were negative but that follow-up examinations on Wednesday discovered the fractures, which are less severe than a fracture in which the bone is out of alignment.

Wizards Coach Randy Wittman told reporters it was unclear whether Wall would be available for Game 3 on Saturday evening in Washington.

“We’ve got to be prepared as a team to play without him,” Wittman said, adding, “With the swelling, we knew maybe there was not good news there. We’re still consulting with doctors. It’s still pretty swollen.”

Although Wall did not speak to reporters, teammate Paul Pierce said the news could be devastating.

“It’s definitely difficult for the team, but I’m sure it’s even more devastating for John,” Pierce told reporters. “He worked so hard to get to this point in his career, and to play so well throughout the playoffs and to hear that type of news, I know that’s devastating.”