Kobe Bryant has been declared day-to-day with a torn wrist ligament and his status is up in the air for Sunday’s season opener against the Bulls.
One orthopaedic surgeon told an ESPN radio station that these injuries usually do not require surgery, but a player could miss three to four weeks of action depending on the degree of the tear.
The Lakers’ star injured his shooting hand in a preseason loss to the Clippers on Monday when he fell to the floor after having his shot blocked.
“If it’s completely torn, you’re talking about a month out,” Dr. Robert Klapper said. “But if it’s just showing up on the MRI as bruising in the ligaments or in the bone, then that’s a different story. Then it’s less of an injury.”
Bryant practiced with the injury Tuesday but he complained of pain and did not participate in yesterday’s shoot-around. Coach Mike Brown held Bryant out from last night’s preseason game against the Clippers.
“Come Sunday, we’ll see how it is,” Brown said last night. “There’s a chance he can play Sunday.”
“It was mine and Kobe’s and the doctor’s decision to sit him tonight, but if tonight was a playoff game, maybe (he could play),” Brown added. “It’s a preseason game.”
Bryant was on the floor and wearing a plastic protective brace on his wrist before last night’s game. He did not comment when asked about his availability for Sunday. Instead, he sat in a chair while dribbling a basketball with his left hand. When he got up to go to the locker room to receive treatment on the wrist, he swished a left-handed 3-pointer from the corner before walking off the court.
This gunslinger can shoot with either hand; something for his opponents to think about.
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AFC South Turned Upside Down: The Texans are coming off their first loss in two months; the Colts are coming off their first victory without Peyton Manning in more than 14 years.
Houston has already clinched a playoff berth, but it is one of three 10-3 teams competing for a first-round bye in the playoffs. New England sits atop the AFC, a full game ahead of Houston, Pittsburgh and Baltimore.
Dan Orlovsky was just 11 of 17 for 82 yards in the Colts’ victory over Tennessee, but more importantly he did not throw an interception. That was the first time a Colts quarterback hadn’t been picked off in a game since Week 5.
Look for the Texans to pound the ball behind Arian Foster as they try to avoid turnovers through the air as well. The big back has tallied more than 400 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns in his two games against the Colts. Take the Texans tonight in Indianapolis.
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Money’s going away: Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s promoters cleared May 5 for a tentative fight against an unnamed opponent in Las Vegas, but he’s got another date that is more firm. The undefeated welterweight will head to jail on Jan. 6 to serve 90 days.
The boxer agreed to a plea deal to avoid trial on felony allegations that he battered his children and their mother. He was also fined $2,500, ordered to perform 100 hours of community service, and must attend a 12-monthy domestic-violence counseling class.
The case stemmed from a hair-pulling, punching and arm-twisting argument with his ex-girlfriend while two of their children watched in September 2010, according to the Associated Press.
Mayweather showed no reaction as the judge handed down the sentence and made no statement outside court. Floyd “Money” Mayweather Jr. silenced? One of the biggest trash talkers in boxing? That’s a feat in itself.
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Poinsettia Bowl
No. 18 Texas Christian (11-2) leaves the Mountain West Conference as a winner, rallying for a 31-24 victory over Louisiana Tech (8-4).
Casey Pachall connected with Skye Dawson on a 42-yard touchdown pass with 4:26 remaining to snap a 24-24 tie. It was the eighth consecutive victory for the Horned Frogs, who are headed to the Big 12 Conference next season.
Pachall, who was 15 of 29 for 206 yards, set TCU single-season records with 228 completions, 2,921 yards and a 66.5 completion percentage, breaking marks previously held by Andy Dalton.
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Las Vegas Bowl
Tonight’s game between Boise State and Arizona State features a wealth of talent that could translate into at least four high draft picks in the next NFL draft, according to Tony Pauline of SI.com.
Arizona State linebacker Vontaze Burfict (No. 7) has first-round talent. He’s mean, nasty and possesses all the physical tools to be an early selection, but scouts are concerned about what they perceive as the defender’s immaturity. Quarterback Brock Osweiler (No. 17) needs polish, but he’s 6-foot-8 and can make all the throws. The second round is a possibility.
Boise State defensive lineman Billy Winn (No. 90) has the physical skills to start in the NFL, but some scouts think he plays at half speed too often. Doug Martin (No. 22) is a well-rounded running back who has improved his game every season. Both Broncos could go in the second round.