Rockets' Cam Whitmore Likely to 'Beat Three-Week Diagnosis' Amid Return From Knee Injury

The Houston Rockets could soon see the return of rookie standout Cam Whitmore amid Play-In Tournament push.

Mar 6, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Cam Whitmore (7) grabs a rebound during / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Rockets have been the best team in the league since March. With 10 consecutive victories, the Rockets are in the middle of their longest win streak since the 2018-19 season while posting a league-best 11-1 record following a nine-point victory over the Phoenix Suns on March 2.

Jalen Green has re-established himself as a franchise cornerstone with averages of 28.5 points, 6.1 assists, and 1.2 steals over the previous 12 games. But Houston's ability to keep winning in the absences of Alperen Şengün and Cam Whitmore has been most impressive.

Şengün's potential return from his ankle and knee injury is still questionable. But Whitmore is in a position to return from his respective knee injury before the end of the 2023-24 season. According to coach Ime Udoka, Whitmore's recovery has him on a trajectory to beat his initial three-week diagnosis.

Whitmore sustained an LCL sprain on the inside and outside of his knee during the Rockets' 112-104 victory over the Sacramento Kings on March 10.

Mar 6, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Cam Whitmore (7) grabs a rebound during / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

"He is getting close," Udoka said ahead of Wednesday's overtime win against the Oklahoma City Thunder. "He will be getting to the contact portion eventually. He is progressing from shooting. The contact would be next, but we will see when that will be. He is young and can heal fast."

Since returning from the G League in late December, Whitmore has established himself as a reliable player within Udoka's rotation. He has averaged 13.4 points on 46.1 percent shooting and 4.3 rebounds in 31 games since Jan. 1.

His best game came during the Rockets' 29-point victory over the Toronto Raptors on Feb. 2. Whitmore finished with a game-high 25 points, six rebounds and two steals in the win.

Despite dealing with a pair of significant injuries, the Rockets have kept pace with the Golden State Warriors for the 10th and final Play-In Tournament spot in the Western Conference. They are one game back of the Warriors in the loss column with a 37-35 record.