Posted by Sabrina B. @gametimegirl

Nets center Brook Lopez fractured the fifth metatarsal in his right foot and will have surgery Friday — three days before New Jersey opens the 66-game regular season.

General manager Billy King made the announcement Thursday. Lopez was injured in the first half of Wednesday night’s preseason game against the New York Knicks.

The recovery time for an injury like Lopez’s commonly is four to six weeks.

The four-year pro, who has never missed an NBA game, has been rumored as the potential centerpiece in a blockbuster offer for Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard. Now, it remains to be seen when Lopez will be able to play again, and how he’ll perform following surgery.

Lopez averaged a career-high and team-best 20.4 points per game last season, and was intent on improving his career-worst average of 6.0 rebounds. In two preseason games against the Knicks, Lopez had 20 rebounds and looked to be well on his way to accomplishing that goal.

WRITTEN BY Mike Mazzeo is a regular contributor to ESPNNewYork.com & FULL STORY HERE