Mashburn, Hornets Are Hurting

New Orleans Hornet forward Jamal Mashburn was on crutches after injuring his left knee Tuesday during an exhibition game against Orlando.

The team said Mashburn might have sprained his knee. He was expected to have an MRI exam.

The Hornets have battled injuries throughout the exhibition season, with guard David Wesley being the only healthy starter. Guard Baron Davis has been out because of back spasms since Monday; center Elden Campbell has yet to practice because of a sprained left knee; and forward P.J. Brown sprained his left ankle on Oct. 9 and hasn’t practiced since.

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As expected, New York Knick power forward Antonio McDyess will sit out the season after undergoing surgery in New York on his broken kneecap.

Dr. Norman Scott, who performed the two-hour procedure, said the injury would not end McDyess’ career.

“We expect him to have a full recovery and be 100% by the start of next season,” Scott said.

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Chicago Bull center Tyson Chandler suffered a concussion after colliding with rookie forward Lonnie Baxter during practice on Wednesday.

Chandler was taken to the hospital and it was not clear how long he would be sidelined. General Manager Jerry Krause said Chandler would sit out at least Friday’s exhibition game against the Clippers.

Chandler apparently dived for a loose ball along with Baxter and fell face-first after he was accidentally kneed in the neck.

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Houston guard Moochie Norris, the only Rocket to appear in every game last season, underwent surgery to repair a dislocated finger and will be sidelined about three weeks.... Cleveland Cavalier rookie Dajuan Wagner is expected to be hospitalized until next week because of a bladder infection.... Utah Jazz center Greg Ostertag is expected to miss at least three exhibition games because of an abdominal strain resulting from donating a kidney to his sister in the off-season. A Jazz spokesman said the strain was not career threatening and that trainers were being cautious.... The $250-million arena being built for the Memphis Grizzlies will be called FedExForum. The team will get $90 million over 20 years for the naming rights, owner Michael Heisley said. The arena is scheduled to open in 2004. Until then, the Grizzlies will play at the Pyramid arena.