Update (Thursday): Joe Freeman of The Oregonian reports from Thursday's practice that Batum is "good to go" for Friday night's game against the Toronto Raptors.
Original Post (Wednesday): Portland Trail Blazers forward Nicolas Batum was poked in the eye by Atlanta Hawks forward Tracy McGrady during the second quarter of a Wednesday night game at Philips Arena.
Batum was attempting a pass through a double-team when McGrady's right hand came down across Batum's face. Batum remained in the game for the next defensive possession but then requested a substitution at the next dead ball and departed for the locker room.
The Blazers sent out a text message at halftime informing the media that Batum "will not return" to the game due to a "left eye injury."
The ESPN broadcast reported, and the Blazers later confirmed, that Batum was "taken to a local hospital for X-rays as a precaution."
Click through for further updates and video.
-- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com | Twitter
Update: After the game, the Blazers noted on Twitter that Batum had returned from the hospital, where X-rays were negative for an orbital fracture. "Says he's seeing double, feels pressure on his eye, but said it isn't serious." The team also noted that Batum would be re-evaluated in three days and that he will be listed as day-to-day. Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com reported that Batum said he will play in Portland's next game, a road contest against the Toronto Raptors on Friday.
Batum tweeted: "My eye is fine, X-ray is negative. I should be ok for the Raptors."
The Blazers conclude a 6-game road trip with the Raptors game and one against the Detroit Pistons on Saturday before returning home for a Monday night game against the Sacramento Kings.
Batum, 23, is averaging 12.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game this season.
Here's a video replay of the injury.
-- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com | Twitter