The Washington Wizards will have to force a Game 7 without Otto Porter Jr. The Wizards star had been dealing with a bone bruise in his lower left leg and was listed as questionable, but he won’t play against the Toronto Raptors in Game 6 on Friday night.
The Washington Post’s Candice Buckner reported Friday that Porter needed to undergo a procedure to alleviate blood collecting in the area of the contusion and that he would not play in Game 6.
The procedure was described as “small” so there’s no indication of whether Porter could play in a potential Game 7, but it’s a big blow to the Wizards playoff survival nonetheless. Kelly Oubre Jr. is expected to start in Porter Jr.’s place.
BREAKING: Otto Porter Jr. is undergoing a small procedure on his left leg today to address a build up of blood flow in the area of his contusion, the Washington Post has learned.
He is OUT for Game 6, as well as the rest of the series if it continues.
Story coming
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) April 27, 2018
The Wizards got star John Wall back shortly before the postseason began, but it’s been a struggle for Washington as they just generally look miserable out there against the Raptors. Wall admitted that Porter has not been healthy for a while now when speaking to the media on Friday.
“You could tell when O.P.’s been healthy and when he’s not,” John Wall said. “When he’s not slashing and cutting to the basket, you can tell he’s dealing with something. He’s probably been dealing with it for a while, but he’s been going out there and giving us everything he’s got as a teammate. And we respect and appreciate that as much as possible.”
Porter averaged 10 points, five rebounds and 1.2 steals per game in nearly 32 minutes of action per game in the series.
Update: The Wizards announced on Friday that Porter is out indefinitely after having lower leg fasciotomy for compartment syndrome before Game 6.
The procedure was required after clinical examination confirmed the diagnosis of compartment syndrome (a critical increase in pressure resulting from an injury) and was necessary to prevent permanent damage to the muscles in the leg. It was performed by Wizards Director of Medical Services and Orthopedist Dr. Wiemi Douoguih at MedStar Health at Lafyatte Centre.
