Thumb op to sideline Kings guard Bibby

0 Comments | AFP, October, 2007

LAS VEGAS, United States (AFP) — Surgery to repair a torn left thumb ligament will sideline Sacramento Kings point guard Mike Bibby for up to 10 weeks, the National Basketball Association club said Saturday.

Bibby was hurt in practice on Thursday and didn't play Friday as the Kings fell to the Los Angeles Lakers in a pre-season game.

The Kings open their season on Wednesday at New Orleans.

Bibby's loss is another setback for Reggie Theus, the first-year coach of the Kings.

Sacramento will probably be missing former All-Star forward Ron Artest to start the season. He was arrested in March after a domestic dispute and is likely to be suspended.

"We have had a couple curveballs thrown at us here lately," Theus said. "We have to fight through it...