NEW ORLEANS — Chris Paul will miss the remainder of the season because of a ligament tear in the middle finger of his right hand.

Paul played through the injury for several games, but appeared to aggravate it further while guarding Morris Peterson during a 1-on-1 drill after Tuesday's regular practice had ended.

The Hornets announced shortly before tip-off against the Charlotte Bobcats on Wednesday night that Paul would be out for the club's final four games.

"It has been a very difficult season for me in terms of injuries," Paul said. "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."

Team officials say no surgery is required and that Paul could return to basketball activities in about seven weeks.

Paul has played in 45 games this season, averaging 18.7 points, 10.7 assists and 2.1 steals.

By season's end, he will have missed 37 games from three different injuries, including a sprained left ankle in November and a torn meniscus in his left knee in late January that required surgery.