The Houston Rockets are concerned that rising star Christian Wood could be “sidelined for an extended period” after injuring his ankle again in Thursday’s win in Memphis, according to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon. Wood seemed to roll his right ankle, which he initially sprained in mid-January, when he stepped on the foot of Grizzlies guard Ja Morant.
Wood was clearly pounding the floor in pain and discomfort. After spending much of the time out, Wood initially tried to stay in the game to shoot free throws, as he wouldn’t shoot if he didn’t. But Wood’s teammates talked him out of the idea, and he stumbled into the tunnel — where a wheelchair was waiting for him.
According to reporters in Memphis, Wood was still in a wheelchair and crutches in hand when he left the arena after the game.
In 20 minutes against the Grizzlies, Wood had 17 points (70% FG) and 7 rebounds while Houston drove to a 21 point lead at the time of departure. For the 2020-21 season, the 25-year-old big man came in on 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 3 pointers. They are all career high.
Wood’s injury comes at a terrible time for the soaring Rockets (11-10), who won for the seventh time in eight games in Memphis.
Houston’s next game comes home against San Antonio on Saturday. Considering that Wood was being driven away and it appeared to be an exacerbation of a previous injury, it would be a surprise if he can return soon. “I don’t know,” Silas said after the game. “It didn’t look great.”
“It was hard for me,” said Silas. “I had to sit down, organize my thoughts and organize myself. As good as he has played, a breakout season and everything we need him to do. … Yeah, it sucks. “
MacMahon reports that Wood will undergo an MRI on Friday to determine the severity of the injury, along with a possible timeframe for returning.