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UCLA basketball: Forward Reeves Nelson to miss weekend games

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UCLA forward Reeves Nelson, who underwent laser surgery to repair a slightly torn retina in his left eye, will not play in this weekend’s games against the Oregon schools. He will be re-examined early next week to determine if he can play during the Bruins’ road trip to Arizona.

Nelson is believed to have suffered the injury when he landed face-first on the court following a dunk Thursday against Washington State. The fall opened a gash over his right eye that required 15 stitches. The retina tear was discovered during an examination Monday.

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When Nelson returns, he will wear goggles, something he said last week he would like to avoid. Nelson suffered a corneal abrasion after being poked in the eye in a game against Kansas on Dec. 6.

“Goggles will be something that he uses when he does get back out there,” Coach Ben Howland said. “Dr. [Steven] Schwartz contacted the Lakers and got some goggles for him, the James Worthy goggles.”

Nelson is the Bruins’ best inside player, averaging 11 points and nearly six rebounds per game. Sophomore J’mison Morgan is expected to start with Nelson out. Meanwhile, freshman forward Brendan Lane (sprained ankle) remains a game-time decision.

-- Chris Foster

chris.foster@latimes.com

twitter.com/cfoster

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