Flip Saunders: Brendan Haywood has a "slight sprain," probably won't play against Toronto on Sunday

by Mike Prada on Oct 9, 2009 10:25 PM EDT in Injuries

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Flip Saunders told reporters after the game that Brendan Haywood has a "slight sprain" in his ankle and likely won't play in the next preseason game against Toronto, but the injury isn't serious.

"In a game situation, he probably could have come back, so it was precautionary to keep him out," Saunders said. "It might be tough [for him to play against Toronto] because tomorrow, you're flying, and then it's an afternoon game, so probably not. We're going to give it a chance and see how it looks."

Haywood left the game after just eight minutes and did not return. The play when he got injured happened when Haywood was fouled hard by Drew Gooden about two and a half minutes into the game on a layup. Haywood made the shot, but came away limping a bit. He stayed in the game until the four-minute mark, but didn't return.

So, it appears this is nothing to worry too much about. In fact, when asked whether his "heart was up in his throat" when the play happened, Saunders said, "I thought he'd be okay." Still, if Haywood goes down, so goes the Wizards defense, as we saw tonight.

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Haywood did autograph session -

after the game. Didn’t seem to have too much trouble walking so I think it’s nothing to worry about.

We really could use Dave Hopla

Replacement refs are not going to be good this year.

Off topic – does anyone else have the Obama/Arenas Black presidents shirt. I seriously don’t think I can wear it anymore. About 1% of people get it, the rest of the people give me the most messed up looks. Haywood seemed to like it.

Another off topic – what is going on with Wizznutzz? I really could use some incites like ‘JaVale McGee looks like Tracey Morgan with aids’ to cheer me up.

by ooba on Oct 9, 2009 10:53 PM EDT reply actions

ha - yeah i have the obama/arenas08 shirt

and yeah – i am very weary about wearing it around. seemed like a funny idea at the time of purchase though.

"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler

by little stevie colter on Oct 10, 2009 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions

I have it too and everyone stares and is like "huh"

So you’re not alone in feeling that.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Oct 9, 2009 11:25 PM EDT reply actions

Fts & more musings

So what is Haywood in preseason now 2 for 10 from the stripe? If he’s going to go all Ben Wallace on us then at least block 3 shots and grab 11 boards.

I’m not so worried about JaVale getting more burn as long as Gil is playing with him. It’s obvious McGee is a handful for any center not named Dwight Howard these days. Why continue to hold back the talent. Turn it loose big fella.

Tonight was a classic example of why JMac, Taser and Nick need more minutes at home than on the road. They can really get the Phone Booth buzzing.

by el freako on Oct 9, 2009 11:55 PM EDT reply actions