Oden expected to miss another week

PORTLAND, Ore., March 3 (UPI) -- The knee injury that has sidelined Portland Trail Blazers center Greg Oden for seven games could keep him out for another week, the team said.

Oden suffered a chipped left patella during a game Feb. 12 and he hasn't played since. The Oregonian newspaper in Portland, Ore., said Oden could be out of action until mid-March. The report said team officials, after an evaluation of the injury Monday, said Oden could miss 7-10 days.

Oden was the first overall choice in the 2007 draft but missed all of last season after surgery on his right knee. He also missed six games this season because of a foot injury suffered in the season opener.

In 46 games this season, Oden is averaging 9 points and 7.2 rebounds a game.