Rockets' Jalen Green Thankful Groin Injury Wasn't As Serious
HOUSTON — Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green had one word to describe the results of his MRI on Feb. 16 — relieved.
"Thank God it was a great one," Green said. "The results could have been a lot worse. It did not get my muscle too much, just the top layer. I was happy."
Green suffered a left groin strain on Feb. 15 during the Rockets' loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. He exited the game with less than a minute left in the second quarter.
Green was going for a steal on Thunder's guard Josh Giddey when he sustained the injury. And once Green made a play on the ball, he automatically knew something was wrong.
Green said he never felt anything like the pain he experienced when he sustained the injury. And he knew it wasn't his hamstring, given his ability to move around after the game.
He missed two games following the groin injury and will make his return Tuesday night when the Rockets take on the Denver Nuggets inside the Toyota Center. Green said his groin feels "pretty good" and he does not expect to be on any restrictions upon his return.
Green did not set personal goals for himself coming out of the All-Star break. His top priority is to help the Rockets win as many games as possible, especially after watching Damian Lillard score a career-best 71 points Sunday night in a loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.
"It was super painful," Green said. "No one wants that to happen to them. Even when Luka [Doncic] dropped 50 on us, it was hard to watch. I know we can do so much better than that."
Green said everyone at shootaround is ready for a bounce-back performance against the Nuggets. He described the morning session as "full of energy."
"It's been a lot to sit here and watch these games," Green said. "We haven't been able to string some things together on the offensive and defensive side, but hopefully I can bring some energy, and hopefully we can get a win tonight.
"We have the worst record in the NBA. We have to stick together as a team and string some wins together."
You can follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24
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