Houston Rockets fans got a scare Saturday night when Amen Thompson went down late in a 146-117 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. The explosive young guard took an awkward fall on a drive to the basket with just under six minutes remaining and limped off the court.
By that point, Thompson was on the verge of a triple-double, tallying 15 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds. But his night-and potentially Houston’s momentum-came to an abrupt halt as he headed to the locker room.
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A short-term setback with long-term implications
An MRI on Sunday confirmed that Thompson suffered a left ankle sprain, but the good news is that there’s no structural damage. He’s expected to be out for 10 to 14 days while undergoing treatment and rehab, per ESPN. Given Houston’s current position in the Western Conference standings, his absence, while temporary, comes at a crucial time.
Thompson, the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft, has been a key part of Houston’s rise this season. Since moving into the starting lineup, he’s averaged 16.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game while playing elite perimeter defense. Per ESPN Research, he’s held opponents to just 39% shooting on contested attempts-the best mark in the league among players with at least 600 contests.
More injuries piling up for Houston
The Rockets were already dealing with some tough injury news before Thompson went down. Rookie guard Reed Sheppard is set to miss at least four weeks after fracturing his right thumb in the same game against the Pelicans. Meanwhile, veteran point guard Fred VanVleet has been out since early February with an ankle injury, though he’s expected to return against the Kings next Saturday.
With multiple key players sidelined, head coach Ime Udoka will have to get creative with his rotations. Cam Whitmore and Aaron Holiday could see extended minutes as Houston looks to fill the void.
Can the Rockets hold their playoff spot?
Despite the injuries, Houston remains in a solid position at 39-25, currently sitting fifth in the Western Conference standings. But the West is tight, and losing a key defender and playmaker like Thompson could make things interesting down the stretch.
The Rockets take on the Orlando Magic on Monday, and while Thompson won’t be on the court, all eyes will be on how the team adjusts in his absence. His return in a couple of weeks will be a welcome sight-but Houston can’t afford to wait too long to get back on track.
