Pacers’ Hibbert sprains ankle

OAKLAND, Calif. — Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert sprained his left ankle in the first quarter of Wednesday’s game against the Golden State Warriors and had to be helped to the locker room.

He did not return to the game, although he was able to walk to the Indiana bench without a noticeable limp after halftime.

Hibbert sustained the injury battling for a rebound on the Pacers’ offensive end in the sixth minute of the game. It is the same ankle he sprained in November. He had to sit out four games that time.

Entering play Wednesday, Hibbert was averaging 11.6 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.8 blocked shots per game.