NEW ORLEANS (AP) - New Orleans Hornets center Tyson Chandler has been fitted with a walking boot to immobilize his sore left ankle and is expected to be out of action for another one to two weeks.
The 7-foot-1 Chandler remained in New Orleans and did not travel with the Hornets, who were playing the Knicks on Friday night.
A sprain of the same ankle sidelined Chandler for about a month earlier this season. He returned for 12 games but has missed his last four since his ankle began bothering him again.
"We don't forget about him, we just kind of put him on the back burner," Hornets coach Byron Scott said before the game. "We've got to understand right now we've just got to go on without him for a little while and other guys have got to step up."
Chandler has played 44 games this season, averaging 8.8 points and 8.9 rebounds.
The Hornets briefly attempted to trade Chandler to Oklahoma City two days before the NBA's Feb. 19 trading deadline. The Thunder rescinded the deal a day later, saying Chandler could not pass a physical.
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Oklahoma City's team doctor cited concerns about a past turf toe condition.
Chandler has said his toe has been fine this season, but his ankle has bothered him since he sprained it Jan. 19 in a game against the Indiana Pacers. He then missed 16 games before returning to action Feb. 23 at Sacramento, when the Hornets began a seven-game winning streak, all with Chandler in the lineup.
Near the end of a loss to Houston on March 16, Chandler began limping again and said after the game that he did not believe his ankle had fully healed.
Team officials remained confident, even after Chandler was fitted with the boot on Friday, that he would return before the end of the regular season. Scott said an MRI exam revealed swollen tendons.
"As long as he's walking, obviously it's not going to heal properly and that's why it was taking so long," Scott said.
The Hornets, fifth in the Western Conference heading into Friday's games, will need him should they make the playoffs.
Chandler is one of New Orleans' best rebounders and defenders. His nearly 1.3 blocked shots per game leads the team. He also provides All-Star point guard Chris Paul with his best target for alley-oop lobs. The pair have combined for 62 alley-oop baskets this season and led the league with 106 last season.
The Hornets were still without forward Peja Stojakovic, who has back spasms. Scott said he is improving but still day to day.
