The resurgent Houston Rockets will be without one of their top defenders in the upcoming weeks.
Amen Thompson will be out for 10 to 14 games with a left ankle sprain, Shams Charania of ESPN reported on Sunday.
Fortunately, an MRI on Thompson’s ankle showed no structural damage, and he will undergo rehab and treatment for swelling.
The sophomore wing is averaging 14.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 2.6 steals plus blocks, all up significantly from his rookie numbers.
Thompson, 22, has received specific attention for his defensive prowess this season, where both on-ball and off-ball defensive playmaking have contributed to his high steal and block totals. His strong play eventually earned him a spot in the Rockets’ starting lineup come January, which resulted in an uptick in his offensive production as well.
It stands to reason that either Jabari Smith Jr. or Cam Whitmore will replace Thompson in Houston’s starting lineup, and both will have to shoulder a larger role in his absence.
The Rockets have been without another one of their top defensive playmakers, former Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet, due to an ankle injury for the past month. However, he is now listed as questionable and slated to return imminently.
Houston’s next game is on Monday night against the Orlando Magic.
