Artest has torn ligaments in thumb

Artest flew to New York on Monday to have the thumb looked at by the same doctor that corrected a similar injury that Artest had when he was a sophomore at St. John’s.

Indiana head coach Rick Carlisle said the results of the tests did reveal Artest had torn ligaments, but the team was still in the "discovery phase of the injury," and it was uncertain whether Artest will hold off the surgery until season’s end.

Artest first injured the thumb in a January 17 game against New Jersey and has struggled with his shot since.

On the season, he is averaging 17.5 points and 5.3 rebounds for the Pacers, who currently have the most wins in the league and the best record in the Eastern Conference.

He remains questionable for Wednesday’s game against the Phoenix Suns.