Since Ryan Kelly went down with a right foot injury, Duke has been playing several different players alongside Mason Plumlee in the front court. One of those players, Josh Hairston, sat out practice Tuesday with an arm injury that stemmed from a cut he received during the Blue Devils win over Wake Forest last Wednesday.
Hairston was reportedly in a sling at Duke’s practice on Tuesday, according to multiple sources.
Josh Hairston not practicing today due to infection in right arm. Suffered cut in Wake game. Arm is in sling. Status for NC State uncertain.
— Stephen Wiseman (@stevewisemanNC) February 5, 2013
Hairston is averaging 2.1 points and 2.1 rebounds in 12.3 minutes per game this season with the rebounding and minute numbers doubling as career highs. Hairston played his best all-around game the last time Duke played N.C. State back on Jan. 12 when he scored eight points while grabbing five boards in the first start of his Duke career.
If Hairston cannot play on Thursday against N.C. State, the likely beneficiary of his minutes would be Marshall Plumlee who is averaging just 3.5 minutes per game in 10 appearances this season.
UPDATE: Hairston now doubtful for Thursday vs. NC State and will still be in sling Wednesday, per Andy Katz
February 6th, 2013 → 9:04 am
[...] Report: Josh Hairston Misses Tuesday Practice, Questionable For Duke Basketball’s Rematch With N.C… [...]