NBA News: Rockets' Amen Thompson Reportedly Out 10-14 Days with Ankle Sprain Injury
Houston Rockets two-way player Amen Thompson will be sidelined for 10-14 days after suffering a left ankle sprain, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.
An MRI revealed no structural damage to the ankle, and Thompson has been advised to focus on rehab and receive treatment for the swelling, per Charania.
Thompson has been averaging 14 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists while shooting 55.3 percent from the field as the Rockets' starting small forward.
Thompson's injury occurred during the Rockets' 146-117 blowout victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night. He took an awkward fall on an attempted shot with just under six minutes left in regulation. Thompson finished one rebound shy of a triple-double, recording 15 points and 11 assists before leaving the game.
Thompson was the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft after bypassing college and spending two seasons with Overtime Elite. He made the All-Rookie second team after opening his NBA career averaging 9.5 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists while shooting 54 percent from the field.
The 22-year-old has been a major piece of the Houston team, which is 39-25 after bouncing back from a 41-41 season and is headed towards their first season over .500 since the 2019-20 season.
He is in the second year of a four-year, $40 million contract with Houston and is scheduled to become a restricted free agent in 2027.
In addition, head coach Ime Udoka announced that rookie guard Reed Shepard will also be sidelined after suffering a fractured right thumb during the Rockets first win over the Pelicans on Thursday.
