2 min read • February 13, 2024
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Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier suffered a mild right high ankle sprain on Sunday in a loss to the Boston Celtics and would be fortunate to return before March, according to our panel of doctors.
The injury was initially reported as a knee sprain, which is common when a player suffers a high ankle sprain. By video, the main concern appears to be with his right ankle although he likely has damage to the MCL in his right knee as well.
He is unlikely to require surgery but will be out at least a week. The good news for the Heat is he will return before the end of the regular season and be healthy for the playoff push.
In 9 games for Miami this season, Rozier is averaging 12.6 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.6 assists while shooting 35.9% from the field and 23.4% from 3.
He averaged 23.2 points, 3.9 assists and 6.6 rebounds in 30 games with the Hornets with 45.9%/35.8%/84.5% shooting splits.
Rozier was acquired by the Heat on Jan. 23 in exchange for veteran guard Kyle Lowry and a 2027 first-round pick. Lowry is on a $29.7 expiring contract, while Rozier, 29, is making $23.2 million this season and is under contract for the next two seasons.
Rozier was injured on Sunday against Boston when he drove to the rim in the third quarter and landed awkwardly with his right leg bent after elevating for a layup.
He was able to walk to the locker room with assistance and did not return to the game.
During the game, head coach Erik Spoelstra told the sideline reporter “we know it’s his ankle” despite speculation from the broadcast that his knee was injured.
Rozier had 13 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists on 6-16 shooting and 0-4 from 3-point range when he exited with just under 5 minutes remaining in the third quarter.
During Sunday’s game, Miami guard Josh Richardson also suffered an injury that will keep him out multiple games. Richardson suffered a dislocated right shoulder and will be re-evaluated after a few weeks.
With those two injured, Miami will lack depth at guard in the short term and likely require more minutes from Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Duncan Robinson.
Rozier has suffered a right ankle sprain twice previously. He missed 7 games after hurting his right ankle on Oct. 22, 2022 and missed 2 games after injuring the same ankle on Jan. 30, 2021.
Earlier this season, Rozier missed 9 games with a left groin strain and missed 1 game with right knee soreness.
Rozier has played in 60 or more games in seven of his eight previous seasons.
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