Blazers’ Aldridge sprains left ankle

Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge sprained his left ankle during the first quarter of Wednesday’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers at the Rose Garden. He is doubtful to return to action, the team said.

Aldridge left the court with 5 minutes, 39 seconds left in the first quarter. He appeared to tweak his ankle while completing a layup, and then re-injure it as he attempted to plant his feet and reach out for a ball. He pulled up limping, and soon left the court.

“This has gone past crazy,” Blazers coach Nate McMillan said.

He added: “To see our guys drop the way that we are, and to walk in that locker room and see LaMarcus in a boot — not just a swollen ankle, but a boot … it’s a credit to these guys.”

Aldridge did not return to the court following his injury. McMillan said the team was having Aldridge wear a boot as a precaution, but added that he did not know how long the forward will be out.

“I’m afraid when our guys are on the floor,” McMillan said. “I really am.”

Aldridge scored seven points on 3-of-4 shooting before the injury. He is averaging 16.3 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists through 32 games.

The Blazers have been forced to deal with and adjust to injury problems all season. Centers Greg Oden and Joel Przybilla are out with season-ending knee injuries, while Nicolas Batum, Rudy Fernandez and Travis Outlaw are recovering from injuries right now.

In a sign of just how badly the Blazers have been affected by hurt players, the NBA has granted the team two hardship exemptions. Portland used the second today, signing forward Shavlik Randolph.