Clippers guard Austin Rivers expected to miss 4-6 weeks with broken hand

Clippers reserve guard Austin Rivers underwent an MRI exam on his bothersome left hand that revealed a fracture, which is expected to sideline him from four to six weeks.

Rivers’ injury comes at a time when the Clippers are already without All-Star forward Blake Griffin because of a broken right hand sustained in a fight with an assistant team equipment manager late last month.

Rivers sustained the injury against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday during a play in which he complained about no foul being called, leading to two quick technical fouls and his ejection.

Rivers initially said X-rays on his hand were negative but continued discomfort prompted the MRI.

“We’re getting thin, obviously, but somebody else will just have to pick up the slack for right now,” Clippers Coach Doc Rivers said Sunday before his team played the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena.

Doc Rivers said he did not know if the Clippers had enough depth on its roster to sustain another serious injury, noting that it might depend on whether backup guard Pablo Prigioni could remain healthy.

Prigioni missed the fourth quarter of the Clippers’ game against the Orlando Magic on Friday after taking a blow to the head. He said he woke up feeling better Sunday and would try to play against the Heat.

“You’re one of those [injuries] away from not having another guard,” Doc Rivers said, “so we may have to make a decision, but we’re just going to try to ride it out and see.”

Doc Rivers said Jamal Crawford would have to play some backup point guard with Austin Rivers out, and Lance Stephenson figures to get a bump in playing time as well.

ben.bolch@latimes.com

Twitter: @latbbolch