Amen Thompson's attempt to get a triple-double during Saturday's game between the Houston Rockets and New Orleans Pelicans backfired. Now, the young rising star is set to miss a number of games.
During the Rockets-Pelicans game, Houston were up by 26 points entering the fourth quarter and eventually built a lead of more than 30 points early in the final period. Instead of letting Thompson sit out with the game all but decided, the team decided to keep him on the court as he sought for his 10th rebound for a triple-double.
Not only did Thompson fail to reach the mark, but he also got injured midway through the quarter. The 22-year-old tweaked his left ankle after landing on the foot of New Orleans Pelicans rookie Karlo Matkovic.
Now, according to Shams Charania of ESPN, Thompson is set to miss up to two weeks because of the injury. That means the two-way star could be sidelined in the team's next eight games.
"Houston Rockets emerging two-way force Amen Thompson will be sidelined for 10 to 14 days due to a left ankle sprain, sources tell ESPN," Charania wrote. "MRI on the ankle showed no structural damage, but Thompson will rehab and receive treatment for swelling."
Houston Rockets emerging two-way force Amen Thompson will be sidelined for 10 to 14 days due to a left ankle sprain, sources tell ESPN. MRI on the ankle showed no structural damage, but Thompson will rehab and receive treatment for swelling. pic.twitter.com/ySEfIzF4ld
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 10, 2025
While it's good news that Amen Thompson's injury isn't that serious and there's no damage to his ankle, it should be a major lesson for the team. With the playoffs just around the corner and the squad fighting for a playoff spot, ensuring that the players remain healthy should take priority.
The Rockets improved to 39-25 on the season following their 146-117 win over the Pelicans, good for the fifth seed in the Western Conference.
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This story was originally published March 9, 2025 at 11:53 PM.