Blazers' Matthews exits with ankle injury vs. Hornets

NEW ORLEANS -- Portland guard Wesley Matthews has left Wednesday night's game against New Orleans with a left ankle injury and Trail Blazers officials say he will not return.

Matthews hurt himself while delivering a pass in the first quarter, colliding as he released the ball with Hornets rookie Austin Rivers. Matthews then fell awkwardly and struggled to put weight on his leg afterward, needing assistance to walk off the court.

Matthews, who is Portland's starting shooting guard, has been averaging 15.2 points and 2.8 assists in nearly 36 minutes per game this season.