The Houston Rockets are worried that rising star Christian Wood could be sidelined for a long time after injuring his ankle again in Thursday’s win in Memphis, according to ESPNs Tim MacMahon. Wood appears to have rolled his right ankle, which he initially sprained in mid-January, badly when he stepped on the foot of Grizzlies guard Ja Morant.
Wood knocks the floor in obvious pain and discomfort. After Wood stayed for much of the countdown, Wood initially tried to stay in the game to shoot free throws as it would not be disqualified. But Wood’s teammates told him about the idea and he limped to the tunnel – where a wheelchair was waiting for him.
According to reporters in Memphis, Wood was still in a wheelchair and with crutches in hand when he left the arena after the game.
In the 20 minutes against the Grizzlies, Wood had 17 points (70% FG) and 7 rebounds when Houston had a 21-point lead when he left. For the 2020-21 season, the 25-year-old big man entered Thursday with an average of 22.3 points (55.3% FG) and 10.4 rebounds in 31.9 minutes per game, including 39.7% on three points. Everyone is career highlights.
Wood’s injury comes at an awful time for the rising Rockets (11-10), who won for the seventh time in eight games at Memphis.
Houston’s next game comes at home to San Antonio on Saturday. Since Wood has been pulled down and that it appears to be an aggravation of a previous injury, it will be a surprise if he can return quickly. “I do not know,” Silas said. “It did not look good.”
“It was difficult for me,” Silas said. ‘I had to sit down and gather my thoughts and gather myself. As good as he played, had a breakout season and did everything he needed to. … Yes, it’s struggling. ‘
MacMahon reports that Wood will undergo an MRI on Friday to determine the severity of the injury, along with a possible roster to return.