Rockets' Cam Whitmore Likely Out Three Weeks Due to Knee Injury
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SAN ANTONIO -- Injuries have hampered the Houston Rockets over the previous few weeks. Tari Eason had season-ending surgery on an ongoing leg injury on March 3. And Sunday night, Alperen Şengün exited the Rockets' win over the Sacramento Kings following a scary fall.
An MRI confirmed that Şengün sustained a Grade 3 ankle sprain that will likely keep him sidelined for the remainder of this season.
Rockets forward Cam Whitmore (7) reacts after a play during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Toyota Center.
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Unfortunately, coach Ime Udoka had to share more injury news ahead of Tuesday's road game against the San Antonio Spurs by announcing that rookie forward Cam Whitmore will likely be out for three weeks due to an LCL injury.
"He has a sprained LCL inside and outside of the knee," Udoka said. "It is a three-week timetable as well. He felt some tightness in his knee during the [Kings] game. We will see how he processes rehab and treatment as well."
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.
As they continue their pursuit of the NBA Play-In Tournament, the Rockets will be extremely short-handed during the final 18 games of the season. They are five games behind the 10th-seeded Golden State Warriors for the final Play-In spot in the Western Conference with a 29-35 record.
