Blazers C Deandre Ayton (hand) exits game vs. Heat

Field Level Media|published: 02/28/2024, 12:02am EST

Feb 27, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (2) scores a basket during the first half against Miami Heat forward Kevin Love (42) at Moda Center. credits: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton exited Tuesday night's game against the Miami Heat due to a sprained right hand.

Ayton was involved in a collision with Miami's Kevin Love late in the first quarter and fell hard to the floor. He ended up playing 19 minutes in the first half but didn't return to the court for the beginning of the third quarter, with Duop Reath starting in his place.

The Trail Blazers ruled Ayton out late in the third quarter.

Ayton had 12 points and 10 rebounds before departing to post his third straight double-double and his fifth in the past six games.

—Field Level Media