The Washington Wizards already will take on the Miami Heat tonight with a less than full roster, since point guard John Wall is unlikely to play with a foot injury. Now, however, things have potentially gotten worse. Coach Flip Saunders said after shootaround that JaVale McGee may miss the game with a back injury.
Via Michael Lee of the Washington Post:
McGee didn't participate in the Wizards morning walkthrough and remains questionable for the game against the Miami Heat on Monday after waking up with unbearable pain in his back and head. While the Wizards were preparing for the Heat, McGee and assistant athletic trainer Corey Bennett were visiting with a doctor.
"It's from the fall from Brand," Coach Flip Saunders said about McGee's injuries. "His back's been bothering him. Every now and then, it kind of kicks up. It was sore here the last few days and this morning, when he got in, he was in excruciating pain, with back and his head and he sort of had the sweats. We kept him back."
"The fall from Brand" refers to this play last Tuesday, when Philadelphia 76ers center Elton Brand shoved McGee on a dunk attempt. McGee played through the injury in losses to the Atlanta Hawks and Orlando Magic this week, which makes this news all the more curious.
McGee would be a huge loss for the Wizards if he cannot play. The third-year center has enjoyed a breakout season thus far, averaging 9.7 points, 8.6 rebounds and 2.7 blocks in 28.6 minutes a game.