by Perry A. Farrell, USA TODAY Sports

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The Detroit Pistons received a severe blow when Andre Drummond’s MRI exam revealed a stress fracture of the fifth lumbar vertebra in his back.

He is expected to be out four to six weeks and will wear a special custom brace. He will be re-evaluated on a regular basis, team doctor Ben Paolucci said.

Paolucci added Drummond may also have a minor injury on the other side of his back, as seen in Thursday’s MRI. Surgery won’t be required.

“We found the fracture yesterday (Thursday),” Paolucci said. “He should get better and heal and he should have no residuals. He’s not going to have anything lasting. It’s not an uncommon injury. He doesn’t have a disc. He’s got some discomfort now so he as a custom brace. We’ve already fitted it for him. Once he gets where he’s a systematic and he doesn’t have any pain we’ll be able to start some exercising program.”

Paolucci said the injury on the left side occurred Sunday against the Los Angeles Lakers. He couldn’t pinpoint when the second injury happened.”

The 6-foot-11 center played in 50 games for the Pistons, averaging 7.3 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.68 blocked shots in 19.7 minutes per game. He leads all rookies in rebounds and ranked second in blocked shots.

He obviously won’t take part in the All-Star weekend festivities in Houston.

Perry A. Farrell writes for the Detroit Free Press.

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