Rockets Phenom Amen Thompson Overcomes Ankle Scare—Set to Spark Houston’s Showdown with Warriors Tonight

Houston Rockets rookie guard-forward Amen Thompson is on track to suit up against the Golden State Warriors on Thursday after clearing the NBA’s concussion-style injury protocol for his recently sprained right ankle, the team confirmed late Wednesday. The clearance ends a three-day scare that began when Thompson rolled the ankle in the final minute of Monday’s 122-118 victory over the Washington Wizards. Head coach Ime Udoka told reporters that both Thompson and fellow starter Jabari Smith Jr. participated fully in Wednesday’s practice and “should be good to go” versus Golden State, barring overnight swelling. Why Thompson’s return matters • Red-hot form: Over his last five appearances the No. 4 overall pick is averaging 16.6 points, 9.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.8 steals while shooting 54 percent from the field, registering three double-doubles in that span. • Pace and versatility: Thompson ranks second among NBA rookies in transition possessions per game and is Houston’s primary secondary ball-handler when Fred VanVleet rests, a role that has helped the Rockets climb to seventh in fast-break scoring since the All-Star break. • Defensive spark: His 2.5 deflections per 36 minutes lead all rookies with at least 500 minutes played, according to Second Spectrum tracking. Matchup outlook vs. Warriors Golden State’s backcourt has struggled to contain downhill guards; opponents attack the rim 34 percent of the time when Steph Curry is the primary defender, fifth highest among qualified point guards. Thompson’s 31 drives per 100 possessions rank in the 89th percentile for wings, positioning him as Houston’s best hope of exploiting that weakness. Fantasy and betting impact Thompson’s availability pushes veteran Reggie Bullock back to the bench and restores Houston’s preferred small-ball closing five. Sportsbooks moved the Rockets from +3.5 to +2.0 on the news, while Thompson’s player-prop lines reopened at 14.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists. What’s next The Rockets embark on a pivotal four-game Western Conference swing after Thursday. Udoka said the staff will “monitor Amen’s minutes but not put him on a hard cap,” hinting he could resume his typical 30-minute workload immediately. With Houston just 1.5 games out of the Play-In Tournament, Thompson’s quick recovery keeps the club’s postseason push alive and maintains his late charge in the Rookie of the Year conversation.