Nets' Cam Thomas out at least two weeks with left ankle sprain
Nets guard Cam Thomas holds his left ankle after injuring it during the third quarter against the Clippers in an NBA game at Barclays Center on Wednesday. Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
BOSTON — Things didn’t look good for Cam Thomas Wednesday night when he arrived in the locker room on a motorized scooter and his left ankle heavily wrapped.
The Nets confirmed Thursday that Thomas will miss at least two weeks after an MRI revealed a sprained ankle. Thomas left the Nets’ win over the Clippers in the third quarter after stepping on PJ Tucker’s foot.
The timeline means Thomas is out at least until Nov. 23, a stretch of six games starting Friday at the Celtics.
Thomas has been one of the NBA’s leading scorers this season. His 26.9 points per game not only leads the Nets (4-4) but is 10th in the league ahead of Thursday’s games. He’s also had four games with at least 30 points, including a 45-point night against the Bucks on Monday.
Now he’s the sixth Nets player who’ll miss at least one game due to injury. The Nets, however, could have reinforcements Friday.
Cam Johnson was upgraded to probable on the team’s injury report after missing the last seven games with a strained left calf. Probable is the injury designation closest to being cleared to play and Johnson, along with Nic Claxton, practiced and scrimmaged with the Long Island Nets Wednesday. Coach Jacque Vaughn said Johnson is closer to returning than Claxton.
Claxton will miss his eighth game Friday due to a high ankle sprain and Ben Simmons, who didn't play Wednesday, was listed as questionable with left hip soreness.
Lonnie Walker IV could be a candidate to start in Thomas’ absence. Since not playing in the season opener, Walker has scored in double figures in every game, including a season-high 21 points in Wednesday’s win.
The Nets’ depth has kept the team afloat despite injuries. Now they’ll need it with Thomas set to miss some time.
Evan Barnes covers the Nets for Newsday. He previously covered Memphis football and the Memphis Grizzlies and also covered prep sports in Los Angeles.
