The Houston Rockets may have tied their Western Conference Semifinals series against the San Antonio Spurs at two games apiece following their emphatic win on Sunday, but it's not all good news for them.
After only playing a minute in the match, their backup center, Nene, was forced to to leave the Toyota Center and was brought to the hospital to have an MRI. It was then revealed that he suffered a left groin pull and was not able to return to the game.
Nene has gone to the hospital for an MRI. Out with left groin pull
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) May 8, 2017
Nene out for the rest of the game with a left groin pull
— Craig Ackerman (@ca_rockets) May 8, 2017
The 34-year-old Brazilian center has been a key player for the Rockets throughout the playoffs, averaging 10.3 points and 5.3 rebounds despite only seeing 20.0 minutes of action.
There is no update yet on his availability for the rest of the series. However, with a lot on the line, it can be expected that Nene will play even if he is not 100 percent, as long as he is cleared by doctors.
Should the 6-foot-11 big man be sidelined, Clint Capela will receive more playing time and the Rockets could even go with a smaller lineup with Sam Dekker playing the four or five spot in some stretches, just like what they did in Game 4.
Follow Us
Subscribe