Nelson sidelined 6-8 weeks

Duke's bench will be shorter for the next six to eight weeks as sophomore guard DeMarcus Nelson recuperates from surgery that repaired his fractured right tibia on Monday.

Nelson injured his leg against Drexel on Nov. 23. Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski says Nelson is a big loss to the rotation.

"We will definitely miss DeMarcus," said Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski. "We're pleased that the surgery was successful and that we can expect him to be back at 100 percent later in the season."

Nelson (6.5 points and 3.3 rebounds per game) has played a key role for the Devils early on this season. He was the offensive spark off the bench, especially from long range. His defensive presence and overall athleticism helped in several match-ups in this young year already. Nelson was sidelined last year with an injured wrist.

Duke's rotation shrunk to seven players against Memphis as Nelson watched in street clothes behind the Blue Devils bench.