Dixon out three weeks

Washington – Wizards guard Juan Dixon sprained his left elbow in practice Monday and is expected to miss three weeks.

He was placed on the injured list and replaced on the roster by forward Brian Cardinal, who had been on the injured list because of a leg injury.

Coach Doug Collins said Dixon apparently banged the elbow against another player while reaching for a ball. The 17th overall draft selection from Maryland was taken for X-rays and was fitted with a splint and sling.

“Juan was really starting to play well for us,” said Collins, whose team will try to break a six-game losing streak today when it plays Milwaukee.

Davis’ back ailing

New Orleans – Hornets guard Baron Davis might not play tonight because of a herniated disc that he says is causing back spasms.

Davis missed the first game of his career Sunday night in the Hornets’ 95-86 loss at Boston. Before that he had played in 262 consecutive games. He attended practice at Harvard on Monday but did not participate in strenuous activity.

Kukoc has surgery

Milwaukee – Milwaukee Bucks forward Toni Kukoc could miss up to six weeks after right thumb surgery.

Kukoc tore a ligament in his non-shooting hand Nov. 15 during the Bucks’ overtime loss at Indiana. He played in eight games since but was in pain.

Kukoc is averaging 10.8 points.