Amen Thompson Injured in Rockets Win, Awaits MRI Results
Houston Rockets rising star Amen Thompson left the arena on crutches and in a walking boot Saturday night after injuring his left ankle against the New Orleans Pelicans. He’s now scheduled for an MRI, according to Kelly Iko of The Athletic.
The injury happened at the worst possible time – during garbage time of a blowout win.
Thompson landed awkwardly on Pelicans’ center Karlo Matkovic’s foot in the fourth quarter after pulling up for a jumper. What makes this particularly frustrating? He was just one rebound shy of a triple-double in a game that was already decided.
The Rockets crushed the Pelicans 146-117, improving to 39-25 on the season.
Thompson had put together an impressive performance with 15 points, 9 rebounds, and 11 assists before the injury.
The 22-year-old has been having a breakout season, averaging 16.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.6 blocks as a starter. He’s also shooting a highly efficient 55.5% from the field.
This timing couldn’t be worse for Thompson’s award chances. He’s played exactly 60 games this season, and with the NBA’s 65-game eligibility rule for end-of-season awards, any extended absence could cost him serious consideration for an All-Defensive Team selection.
## Smith Jr. Ready to Step Up
If Thompson misses time, Jabari Smith Jr. will likely return to the starting lineup.
Smith has been coming off the bench since returning from a broken hand that sidelined him for six weeks between January and February. Since his return, he’s averaged 10.9 points and 7 rebounds in 30 minutes per game.
The Rockets’ depth will be tested, but they have options. Tari Eason, Cam Whitmore, and possibly Jae’Sean Tate will all likely see increased minutes during Thompson’s absence.
## Schedule Provides Some Relief
There’s at least some good news for Houston. The team is starting a six-game homestand, and all five remaining opponents sit below them in the standings.
After that, they’ll head to Florida to face the struggling Magic and Heat before a tough matchup with the Denver Nuggets on March 23. Then it’s back to easier competition with games against the Hawks (30-34) and Jazz (15-48).
How much this injury impacts the Rockets’ playoff positioning will depend entirely on the MRI results and Thompson’s recovery timeline.
