L.A.‘s Griffin out six weeks

LOS ANGELES - Blake Griffin is about to add patience to his repertoire of basketball skills while his broken left kneecap heals.

It's a vital quality for somebody trying to turn around the Los Angeles Clippers.

The NBA's No. 1 overall draft pick will be out for up to six weeks with the stress fracture, likely delaying his debut until mid-December - and creating one more reason to believe there's a curse on this star-crossed franchise.

Less than 24 hours before the Clippers' season opener against the Lakers last night, Griffin learned he'll be watching in street clothes. The former Oklahoma star won't be allowed back into practice until the fracture has healed in several weeks.

Celtics' Davis out, faces suspension

BOSTON - Boston Celtics forward Glen "Big Baby" Davis had surgery on yesterday to repair his broken right thumb after fighting with a childhood friend while riding in an SUV less than two days before the season opener.

A police report identified Davis as the victim and said his friend, Shawn Bridgewater, appeared to be intoxicated.

Davis is expected to miss at least six weeks, though the Celtics said he also could be suspended for his behavior.

Bell hoping to to skip surgery

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Raja Bell wants to tough it out without being a liability. The Charlotte Bobcats likely need their starting shooting guard if they want a realistic shot at the playoffs.

Yesterday was a day of optimism for both sides, with Bell hopeful he'll be able to play this season with a torn ligament in his left wrist and put off surgery that would sideline him up to four months.

Bell was injured when his wrist bent awkwardly as he tried grab a loose ball in an exhibition game on Oct. 18. He sat out the final two preseason games after tests revealed the torn ligament. Bell got a second opinion from a Chicago hand specialist who told him if he can withstand the pain, he can play.

T'Wolves' Jefferson expects to play

MINNEAPOLIS - Minnesota Timberwolves big man Al Jefferson will play in the opener tonight against New Jersey despite battling an Achilles injury in recent weeks.

Jefferson said that he has practiced pain free for the past two days and will definitely be in the lineup against the Nets.

That's good news for the Timberwolves, who will play the first six to eight weeks of the season without forward Kevin Love after he had surgery on a broken hand last week.

Cavs' West sits out season opener

CLEVELAND - The Cavaliers began their run toward an NBA championship without troubled guard Delonte West.

West, who has battled a mood disorder and other personal problems during a turbulent off-season, was inactive as the Cavs opened their season last night against the Boston Celtics.