After a rough patch in February and the beginning of March, the Houston Rockets are turning it around at the perfect time. The Rockets are on a seven-game winning streak and are the No. 2 seed in the West once again. With less than a month left in the season, the Rockets are in a great spot to make a playoff run this year. What makes their recent stretch even more impressive is that young star Amen Thompson, who has missed the last five games due to a foot injury. At the time, reports indicated he would miss 10-to-14 days. Based on the latest reports, it seems like the 22-year-old is set to make his return soon.
On Monday, head coach Ime Udoka provided a Thompson injury update. According to Udoka, Thompson will travel with the team ahead of their two-game Florida road trip. Additionally, Udoka said he could return as soon as Friday against the Miami Heat.
“If he does that, could be Miami, could be when we get back (from the road trip),” Udoka said. “Swelling has gone down, pain’s gone down. Flexibility, mobility has gone up, and he’s just got to go through a contact portion. Once he does that we’re going to see how he reacts to that and he’ll be good to go after. So hopefully, sooner than later.”
Houston Rockets Star Amen Thompson Receives Major Injury Update
Amen Thompson’s Season So Far
Thompson is enjoying a breakout year in his second NBA season. Through 60 games, he is averaging 14 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.3 blocks. He is also shooting 55.3% from the field. Additionally, the California native earned the Western Conference Defensive Player of the Month award in January.
The second-year pro is playing great basketball, and his teammates have noticed. Veteran big man Steven Adams praised Thompson and called him “one of the best athletes that I’ve seen.”
“He’s definitely one of the best athletes that I’ve seen. Dude’s just a freak of nature,” Adams said. “You’ll see his body language and he looks out of position so visually you’re like, ‘OK, he’s not –’ and then somehow he just springs. I don’t know, it just looks weird. He’s standing off, right, and then he’s right there getting a block. You’re like boy, what the f—. All right, dude.” Thompson’s 6-foot-7 frame and speed are only part of the equation, Adams said. “His ability to read the body language and understand what’s a fake and what’s not, it’s a very overlooked skill,” Adams said. “He has it.”
The Last Word On Amen Thompson’s Injury
Getting Thompson back will be huge for Houston. While they are a good team even without him, he elevates them to another level on both sides of the ball. He is very versatile and can make an impact any time he steps on the court. While not official, the Rockets are likely going to clinch a playoff spot very soon. The Rockets have not made the playoffs since 2020. However, as it stands, it looks like they will stop this drought this year.
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