VIDEO: Nicolas Batum & CJ McCollum Injured
Monday, April 13, 2015
Both Nicolas Batum and CJ McCollum left Monday's game with injuries. Neither would return.
Batum went down toward the end of the first quarter. After competing for a rebound with teammate Joel Freeland, Batum landed awkwardly, tweaking his right knee.
As play shifted to the other end of the court Batum remained behind, tending to the knee. He was visibly in significant pain. He hobbled to the bench and was helped to the locker room.
Batum immediately underwent x-rays, which were negative. But it could take an M.R.I. to see the whole picture. In a situation like this, a tweak, rather than a collision, tendons may we be the issue.
Batum previously injured the right knee back in November. As part of the treatment he received Platelet Rich Plasma injections.
McCollum, meanwhile, sprained his left ankle while trying to get free from Russell Westbrook's in the second quarter.
While wincing, McCollum was able to put pressure on the ankle, though he would not return.
Of the two injuries, Batum's appeared more serious. He appeared to be in greater pain, and the way in which it took place is, perhaps, more concerning. In the realm of twisted ankles, McCollum's looked more run-of-the-mill than severe.
That the injuries came in a game in which the outcome was meaningless--because Portland have locked in their playoff positioning--is particularly frustrating for Trail Blazers fans.
It also begs the question: why in the world was Batum even playing?
Over the course of the season Batum has dealt with a multitude of maladies, from wrist and back issues, as well as the knee. He has admitted to needing rest this season and has benefitted when he got it.
Indeed, Batum's injury never should've happened. He--along the rest of Portland's starters and veterans--should've had the night off along with LaMarcus Aldridge, who was not in uniform.
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