Rockets' Amen Thompson out up to two weeks with left ankle sprain

Houston Rockets second-year forward Amen Thompson will be sidelined 10 to 14 days due to a left ankle sprain, ESPN’s Shams Charania tweets.

An MRI showed no structural damage, so Thompson will rehab and receive treatment for swelling with the hope of returning sometime this month. It’s relatively good news for Houston, as a major sprain would have sidelined him for a much longer period of time.

Thompson injured his left ankle during the fourth quarter of the team’s blowout win over New Orleans on Saturday. The injury occurred as Thompson drove into the lane and attempted a pull-up jumper. His left foot came down on Pelicans center Karlo Matkovic‘s foot when he landed.  Thompson reportedly was seen wearing a walking boot and using crutches as he left the arena.

The fourth overall pick in the 2023 draft, Thompson has been enjoying a breakout year for the Rockets. In 60 games (33 starts), the 22-year-old has averaged 14.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.3 blocks in 32.5 minutes per game, with a .553 FG% and strong, versatile defense.

Cam Whitmore and Aaron Holiday could see an uptick in playing time while Thompson mends.