Marcin Gortat Injury: Updates on Wizards Center's Back Strain and Return

Updates from Friday, Mar. 21

Michael Lee of The Washington Post provides an update on Marcin Gortat's status:

Original Text:

Marcin Gortat will miss the Washington Wizards' Thursday night game against the Portland Trail Blazers after reportedly injuring his back, per Michael Lee of The Washington Post:

Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com reported that Gortat may have tweaked something in pregame warm-ups:

NBA.com shows how it happened:

His back had been giving him problems over the last few days, and the warm-up pushed him over the edge:

Considering how much Gortat's back has been bothering him, it's anybody's guess as to when he might return. It will inevitably get better with rest, but it could remain an issue for the rest of the season. A sore back isn't something that you can take a few pills for, and then it's all better.

Washington will need a healthy Gortat down the final stretch. While the Wizards are pretty much a lock for the postseason, they'll at least want to remain in the top six of the Eastern Conference to avoid a first-round matchup against the Indiana Pacers or Miami Heat in the playoffs.