Ty Lawson has a broken rib and is expected to be sidelined at least until after the All-Star break, according to ESPN.

Lawson suffered the injury during the Nuggets' 126-109 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Saturday. At first thought to be a lower left back-strain, a postgame x-ray later revealed the break.

"You could see it take the wind out of us when Ty came out of the game," Denver coach Brian Shaw told ESPN. "He's our floor leader and he's the one who controls the pace and the tempo of the game. He's also the best guy we have to stay in front of Brandon Jennings."

With Lawson sidelined for all but 19 minutes, Jennings exploded for 35 points and 12 assists. Lawson, who finished with just six points and seven assists against the Pistons, has already been ruled out of Monday night's game against Indiana.

The Nuggets, who have already lost Danilo Gallinari and Nate Robinson to season-ending knee injuries, continue to be hard hit by the injury bug but are hopeful Lawson might soon be able to return. The fourth-year guard has career averages of 18 points, nine assists and two steals.