Warriors rookie Ike Diogu is in a race against the clock to be ready by opening night.

After Diogu's fractured left hand was examined by team medical personnel Friday, the Warriors announced the forward will be sidelined for at least three weeks. If the diagnosis is correct, Diogu won't be available when the Warriors begin the season Nov. 2 against the Atlanta Hawks.

``That's definitely the goal,'' Diogu said of being ready for the opener. ``I hope to be ready to go by then. I hope it's not four weeks. We'll just have to see how it is.''

Diogu was injured Sunday at training camp in Laie, Hawaii. He can still run and shoot free throws, and he will continue to learn the team's system by observing.

``It's unfortunate he got hurt. Ike was making progress,'' Warriors Coach Mike Montgomery said. ``Fortunately it wasn't as serious as some injuries. He'll have to learn from watching for now.''