De'Aaron Fox injury update: Kings star says he'll play Game 5 against Warriors

De'Aaron Fox of the Sacramento Kings is planning to play in Game 5 against the Golden State Warriors on Thursday despite a finger injury in his shooting hand. He suffered an avulsion fracture late in Game 4 but played through it for the rest of the game.

The All-Star guard was initially listed as doubtful by the Kings for Game 5. However, Fox told reporters (h/t Associated Press) on Tuesday that he will play against Golden State. He revealed that he's still getting used to wearing a splint on his finger but is doing everything well.

"Right now, there's no ifs, ands or buts, I'm playing," Fox said. "At the end of the day, I'm fine. I can shoot the ball. At this point in the season, everybody has something. Obviously, a bone might not be chipped, but something is hurting on everybody. So you go out there, and you still play the game. I'm not worried about it."

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When did De'Aaron Fox suffer the injury?

De'Aaron Fox of the Sacramento Kings against the Golden State Warriors

De'Aaron Fox appeared to have injured his left hand with less than five minutes left in the fourth quarter of Game 4. A foul was called, and it was a dead ball when Fox playfully hit a layup, but Kevon Looney tried to block the shot.

It looked like Looney hit Fox's finger during the play, with the Sacramento Kings guard shaking his hand after it happened. He also played through the injury for the rest of the game, with Sacramento almost pulling off the win.

Shams Charania of The Athletic first reported Fox's injury on Monday. He was initially listed as doubtful but practiced with the team on Tuesday. He will need to wear a splint on his left index finger to prevent further damage.

It's a tough injury for Fox, as he's left-handed, and the injury could impact his shooting, dribbling and passing.

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What is an avulsion fracture?

De'Aaron Fox of the Sacramento King

De'Aaron Fox suffered an avulusion fracture on his left index finger in Game 4 against the Golden State Warriors. According to the Cleveland Clinic, an avulsion fracture is a type of fracture where a piece of bone breaks off from the main bone. The piece is usually attached to either a ligament or tendon.

Avulsion fractures take time to fully heal, as they require 12 weeks of recovery. It's also a painful injury that needs to be managed daily.