Reports: Blazers F Nicolas Batum (Back) Sits Out Practice, Game Time Decision

Sarah Hecht of Blazers.com (here) and Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com (here) reported on Twitter Thursday that Portland Trail Blazers forward Nicolas Batum did not practice due to a lower back injury suffered during a Wednesday loss to the Indiana Pacers. His status is currently unknown for Saturday's home game against the Sacramento Kings.

Update (Saturday): Batum is a game-time decision per Mike Tokito of The Oregonian.

Here are some quotes from Batum in comments made to the media on Thursday via CSNNW.com video here.

Treatment received?

Massage, treatment with the trainer, a hot tub.

Happened before?

A little bit of the same issue during the Olympics, but never before. It kept me out for 2-to-3 days but never a big deal before.

How did it happen?

I jumped, went back on my heels, my back turned a little bit, it was kind of weird... I tried not to think about it, the pain got worse and worse... in the third quarter, it got worse, I told the coach, 'I can't help the team right now.'

Status for Saturday?

I would think I could play but I don't know yet.

Batum, 23, has started all 19 games for the Blazers this season and is averaging 16.9 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.1 blocks in 38.8 minutes per game.

-- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com | Twitter