Reed Sheppard fractures thumb, out at least four weeks

Kentucky’s unprecedented injury bad luck has spread from the current roster and infiltrated the NBA. Multiple former Wildcats in the League have spent too much time on the sideline this season due to one ailment or another. The latest to suffer a bite from the injury bug, or should I say pesky injury cockroach that won’t go away, is Reed Sheppard.

The Prince of Laurel County fractured his right thumb (yep, on his shooting hand) on Thursday night in the Rockets’ win over the New Orleans Pelicans. It happened during a play where he fouled Zion Williamson when swiping down at the ball while going for a steal. Unfortunately, Williamson’s arms are made out of titanium and Reed got the worst of the contact.

Sheppard will wear a splint for at least four weeks. Rockets coach Ime Udoka announced Sheppard’s status Saturday, but sprinkled in an optimistic slant, saying the injury is to the top of his thumb and not the lower portion, which is a “better outcome.”

To be frank, the timing stinks.

Houston drafted Sheppard third overall in the NBA draft, but in part because the Rockets are surprisingly good, Reed hasn’t seen much action on the court and the minutes he has played have been mediocre at best.

However, Sheppard had temporarily hushed the bust whispers when he broke out for a career high 25 points in his first NBA start earlier in the week. Not only that, he became the first player in NBA history to record at least 25 points, five assists, three made 3s, and three stocks (steals plus blocks) in his first career start.

Then, the very next game he fractures his thumb. Such is the injury luck for Kentucky players this year.

Get well soon, Reed.