Reports: Blazers To Shut Down F Nicolas Batum Over Shoulder Injury?

Portland Trail Blazers forward Nicolas Batum has suffered a right shoulder injury that puts the rest of his 2012-13 season into question. Batum underwent surgery on right shoulder in Oct. 2009.

Candace Buckner of The Columbian reports on Twitter...

Nicolas Batum says it's his right shoulder (in 2010, he had surgery on that shoulder to repair a torn labrum) But it's not torn this time.

Batum says the injury happened in Utah and he felt the "same sensation" he had in 2010. Says his arm feels heavy and he really can't use it.

Also the biggest thing Blazers should take from this, Batum says he will not return until he's 100 percent. Right now, he says he's "50-60"

Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com reports on Twitter...

It's actually pain in Nicolas Batum's right shoulder. He's been told if not 100%, he shouldn't play. Says he's 50-60%. Could sit out season.

I asked Batum if playoffs were in play, would he be playing: "Maybe, I don't know. I can't say yes because my arm is real weak right now."

The medical term for Nicolas Batum's injury is "plexopathy" in his right arm.

Joe Freeman of The Oregonian reports on Twitter...

I asked Blazers F Nicolas Batum if he plans on playing again this season. His reply: "I don't know."

Batum injured his right shoulder during Monday night's loss to Utah. He's had X-rays and an MRI, and the tests did not reveal major damage.

But it's the same shoulder that Batum had surgery on his second season, so he and the #Blazers are taking extra caution with it.

There are eight games remaining over the next two weeks in Portland's regular season schedule. The Blazers will soon be mathematically eliminated from the playoffs.

Batum, 24, has averaged 14.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.1 block per game. Batum has played the third-most minutes of any player in the league, trailing only Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant and Blazers guard Damian Lillard.

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