The NZ Breakers will miss marquee import RJ Hampton for the next 4-6 weeks with a hip injury.
The prognosis means Hampton will sit out most of the team's remaining 2019/20 ANBL campaign.
The news is a cruel blow for the club, who'd just moved to the brink of a fully healthy roster after crippling early-season injury issues.
The 'next star' signing and potential NBA lottery pick missed the win over the Brisbane Bullets on Monday, but an MRI scan has revealed a more significant problem.
The Breakers are currently eighth on the competition ladder with a 4-9 record.
Fellow American Sek Henry will fill Hampton's starting point guard spot in Hampton's absence.
The Breakers play Adelaide 36ers in Auckland on Sunday.
