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An Indiana Pacers player and his girlfriend were stabbed -- and two ATL Hawks players were arrested for obstructing police -- in a violent incident outside of an NYC nightclub early Wednesday morning ... TMZ Sports has learned.

The stabbing victim is Pacers forward Chris Copeland ... who was stabbed in the stomach around 4 AM after leaving 1Oak nightclub. His girlfriend was slashed in the arm, breast and butt.

Officials says the injuries sustained by both Chris and his girlfriend are NOT life threatening. However, Copeland reportedly suffered a broken elbow in the attack and is undergoing surgery.

Cops say they arrested the person suspected of the stabbing -- 22-year-old Shezoy Bleary. Cops say Bleary used a switchblade in the attack.

Police say Copeland and his girlfriend were having a conversation when Bleary (who didn't know either of them) interjected ... and a fight ensued.

Two Atlanta Hawks players -- Pero Antic and Thabo Sefolosha -- were arrested at the scene for trying to prevent police from setting up a crime scene.

Outside the club, Chris' GF told the media, "We were attacked out of nowhere by a f*cking black civilian."

She continued, "We have nothing to say. We are scared for our lives."

Copeland's teammate Paul George just tweeted about the incident -- saying, "Pray for my brother Chris."



9:40 AM PT -- Antic and Sefolosha left the 10th precinct Wednesday afternoon and are headed to court for their arraignment.

12:30 PM PT -- The two Hawks players were just in court briefly. Each was charged with resisting arrest and Obstructing Government Administration. They were released on their own recognizance and are due back in court on June 16.

12:50 PM PT -- According to the criminal complaint, Antic and Sefolosha were told six times to clear the scene, but would only "move a couple of feet away but refuse to clear the area."