Roberts Out Six Weeks After Surgery

Center Stanley Roberts, who has sat out 31 games because of a back injury, underwent surgery Friday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

Doctors trimmed a herniated disk that was irritating a nerve and causing pain in his left leg.

Roberts, expected to be out six weeks, could return for the playoffs if the Clippers get that far.

“This could be the toughest test ever,” Clipper spokesman Joe Safety said of Roberts, who hasn’t played a full season since 1992-93 because of Achilles’ tendon, heel and ankle injuries. “I have no idea how Stanley will rehab.”

Coach Bill Fitch, who underwent back surgery in 1986, thinks Roberts can return if he is diligent in his rehabilitation.

“If he works at it and does his therapy, he could make it back,” Fitch said.

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Hornet swingman Dell Curry missed the game because of a broken nose. Curry is expected to be sidelined for three more games. Hornet guard Ricky Pierce, acquired from the Denver Nuggets for former UCLA center George Zidek and another player Thursday, passed the 14,000-point mark in the fourth quarter. Pierce had nine points in his Hornet debut. Forward Donald Royal, acquired from the Golden State Warriors for Scott Burrell on Thursday, had four points and three rebounds in 14 minutes.