WASHINGTON, April 7 (Xinhua) -- New Orleans Hornets announced Wednesday that they will miss Chris Paul for the rest of the season after the guard injured his right finger.

According to the National Basketball Association club, Paul, with a torn ligament in the injured finger, would not need surgery but will be out for the team's final four regular season matches.

"It has been a very difficult season for me in terms of injuries," said Paul. "I hate not being out on the court helping my team, but the best thing for me to do is to get completely healthy."

"I am hopeful to be back playing basketball by June," added Paul, who averaged 18.7 points, 10.7 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.1 steals in 45 games this season.