Houston Rockets star Christian Wood, who is receiving All-Star consideration this season, left Thursday’s game at Memphis after rolling the same right ankle that caused him to miss three games in January.
Wood was fouled on a transition play by Grizzlies guard Ja Morant, and upon going down, he pounded the floor in agony. After staying down for much of the timeout, Wood initially attempted to stay in the game to shoot the free throws, since not shooting those would disqualify him. But Wood’s teammates talked him out of that idea, and he hobbled toward the tunnel — where a wheelchair was waiting for him.
In 20 minutes against the Grizzlies, Wood had 17 points (70% FG) and 7 rebounds as Houston raced out to a 21-point lead at the time of his departure. For the 2020-21 season, the 25-year-old big man entered Thursday averaging 22.3 points (55.3% FG) and 10.4 rebounds in 31.9 minutes per game, including 39.7% on 3-pointers. All are career-highs.
Christian Wood Contact Lateral Ankle Inversion
Unfortunate as he clips the toe box of the defenders foot as his foot plant occurs
Brooks last second help altered ball position & vision @bballbreakdown pic.twitter.com/L22NUEcZJg
— BBiomechanics (@BBiomechanics) February 5, 2021
Wood’s injury comes at an awful time for the surging Rockets (10-10), who entered Thursday with wins in six of their last seven games.
Houston’s next game comes Saturday night at home versus San Antonio. Considering that Wood was wheeled off, and that it appeared to be a reaggravation of a previous injury, it would be a surprise if he is able to return quickly. Head coach Stephen Silas will update the situation during Thursday’s postgame interviews from Memphis.
