Blazers' Batum out with sprained wrist

Nicolas Batum is sitting out Saturday's game against the Washington Wizards, as expected, to rest his sprained right wrist, the team announced. 

Batum had to leave Portland's last game, a 90-89 loss to the Boston Celtics on Thursday, after suffering the injury. 

A key contributor and reliable threat from deep throughout his career, Batum has been stuck in a season-long slump for the Northwest Division-leading Blazers. 

The swingman isn't getting to the line, his per game averages have dipped across the board and he's shooting career-low percentages from the field (38.8) and long range (27.8). His next chance to play is Monday when the Trail Blazers visit the Brooklyn Nets. 

Portland will, surprisingly, have power forward LaMarcus Aldridge in the lineup for Saturday's tough game versus the 29-14 Wizards. Aldridge has opted to hold off on surgery and play through a torn ligament in his thumb.