What is an avulsion fracture? Extent of De'Aaron Fox's injury explored

De'Aaron Fox suffered an avulsion fracture in his left hand late in the Sacramento Kings' Game 4 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Sunday. Fox, who's left-handed, is now listed as doubtful for Game 5 on Wednesday.

The Athletic's Shams Charania first reported Fox's injury. The Kings star suffered the injury in the fourth quarter after getting hit by Kevon Looney during a floater attempt. He played through the injury, but it wasn't enough to prevent Golden State from tying the series.

While Fox has been listed as doubtful for the next game, he reportedly needs to wear protection on his left index finger. He might have difficulty doing things on the court, as he's primarily a left-handed player.

So, what'a an avulsion fracture? The Cleveland Clinic describes the injury as a type of fracture wherein a piece of bone, which is attached to either a ligament or tendon, breaks off from the main bone. This type of injury is common in young athletes and requires 12 weeks to recover.

Avulsion fractures are also painful injuries, which could prevent an athlete from playing his sport. If Fox wants to play in the remainder of the NBA playoffs, he will likely need daily treatments that reduces the pain in his finger.

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Sacramento Kings need De'Aaron Fox to beat Golden State Warriors

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

The Sacramento Kings have listed De'Aaron Fox as doubtful for Game 5 against the Golden State Warriors. There's a high probability that Fox could miss the game if the pain severely limits his ability to shoot, pass and dribble.

Fox has been the Kings' best player this season, averaging 25.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 1.1 steals per game. He has shot 51.2% from the field, 32.4% from beyond the arc and 78.0% from the free throw line. He was named the NBA's first Clutch Player of the Year.

However, the Kings will need De'Aaron Fox to be at his best if they want to beat the Warriors. The defending champs have found their stride at home, even without Draymond Green in Game 3. Green had come off the bench in Game 4, and the Warriors looked fluid on offense.

The only silver lining for the Kings coming into Game 5 is the Warriors' road record this season. Golden State are 0-2 in the postseason and 11-30 in the regular season. It will be interesting to see if the Warriors show up at the Golden 1 Center with a sense of urgency or play listlessly.