I had the exact same injury as Wafer, caused basically the exact same way...He can get a steroid injection and be good for a little while (IE a few playoff games) and then continue to get another injection...Usually you get 4 injections 2-3 weeks apart. If the injections don't work, he needs surgery...It took me about 4 months to recover from it.
Tough break, but the Rockets can overcome it. Some of you need to man up and be more confident. When trying to break a long streak like the Rockets are trying to do, there is going to be adversity in the process. Just like the Astros having to go to Atlanta and win game 5 to end their first round woes in baseball. The injuries are the adversity necessary to get over this hurdle. This news doesn't change my feeling about tonight's game. Rockets execute like they can, it ends tonight. I'm going to the game with the intention of celebrating a series win and downtown rocking afterwards like it did in 2004 and 2005 for the Stros.
Ugh - bad news for sure. I did not think VW was "on" the other night - and was getting worried - perhaps it was - indeed - due to his painful back. It will be interesting to see who plays tonight. IMHO - whomever is "hot" and hitting shots should stay in and keep the momentum going.
Quick update -- Wafer is out shooting jumpers in warm-up gear, and his mobility looks completely fine. Doesn't look in pain at all. As far as I know he's still ruled out tonight, but it doesn't look like this is something that will extend much into next series, if the Rockets get there.
Oops -- apparently he's NOT ruled out. Game-time decision, says he will try to play. We'll see what the doctors say...
Wafer warming up right now. Going to "try" to play but will be game-time decision. 6 minuten ago from TwitterBerry http://twitter.com/RocketsJCF
NOO..sadly he is out..and he will not be playin tonite guys..SRY..brent barry has to step up big..cuz he has to FAST SHOES to fill. http://www.myfoxhouston.com/dpp/sports/090430_rockets_wafer_hurt
this article was posted an hour ago. the news of wafer as a gametime decision came from MINUTES ago from the rockets
I think let James White to defense Rudy will be better than Ron or Shane. But his experience is a problem!
If the adrenaline, Toyota Center crowd and the biggest game of his young career aren't enough for him to at least give it a shot then you know it's bad. Real bad. I'm sure he's going to try to give a go though.
Von says he feels great, wasn't restricted at all. Waiting to see if it stiffens before game, that will make final decision. For what it's worth, he looked very good in his warmup session - I've seen the bad back walk, and he didn't have it. Still waiting, but there's a good chance I think.
