NBA's Chris Copeland -- Intensive Care Unit ... After NYC Stabbing

Indiana Pacers player Chris Copeland is reportedly being treated in the ICU of an NYC hospital -- after doctors determined his stab wounds included damage to his diaphragm.

Copeland was attacked after leaving 1Oak nightclub early Wednesday morning -- now multiple media outlets are reporting that doctors expect Chris to be in the ICU for 2 or 3 days.

According to ESPN's Josina Anderson, doctors are also concerned about the wound to Copeland's elbow -- and wanted to "clear the wound" because it might be susceptible to infection.

As we previously reported, the suspect in the stabbing -- a 22-year-old Shezoy Bleary -- was taken into custody following the attack.