LaMarcus Aldridge out as least two games with back contusion

The Portland Trail Blazers announced on Thursday that All-Star power forward LaMarcus Aldridge will miss the next two games due to a low back contusion.

Aldridge initially injured his back when he fell after taking a hook shot in the third quarter of Wednesday's game against San Antonio. An MRI on Thursday confirmed the initial diagnosis of a back contusion.

The Blazers will re-evaluate Aldridge after the two-game absence.

The timing isn't great for Portland, as a four-game losing streak has resulted in players calling a behind-closed-doors meeting to try and right the ship. Now they'll have to take on New Orleans and, more importantly, Golden State, without their top scorer.

In 60 games this season, Aldridge is averaging 23.4 points, 11.1 rebounds and 2.7 assists, shooting 45.9 percent from the floor and hitting all of the mid-range jump shots.

The team seems likely to start Dorell Wright as a small-four in Aldridge's absence, though they could also turn to Thomas Robinson should they want to keep a more traditional lineup on the floor.