Jaxson Hayes Injury: Out at least one week

New Orleans Pelicans center Jaxson Hayes is expected to miss at least one week with a sprained MCL.

The injury occurred during the Pelicans' 121-106 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Monday night. Hayes was driving to the basket when he collided with Nuggets center Nikola Jokic. Hayes left the game and did not return.

An MRI on Tuesday confirmed that Hayes has a sprained MCL. The Pelicans have not released a specific timetable for his return, but he is expected to miss at least one week.

Hayes has been a key player for the Pelicans this season, averaging 10.2 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. He has also been a solid defender, ranking among the league leaders in blocks per game.

The Pelicans are currently 28-34 on the season and in the 9th spot in the Western Conference. They are one game behind the eighth-seeded Utah Jazz.

The Pelicans will face the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night in a game that could have major implications for their playoff hopes.