Marcin Gortat doesn't think his back injury is serious

The Wizards can't afford any more injuries, so when Marcin Gortat was a late scratch for Thursday's loss to the Trail Blazers because of a back issue, there was ample reason to freak out. However, Gortat, for his part, does not think this will be a long-term problem.

Via Michael Lee of the Washington Post:

"I pulled all the way to the end and I couldn't move it, so, I had kind of had like a block in my back, I guess a back spasm," Gortat said. "I'll be back. It's not a big deal. Just got to get a few exercises. Get a few treatments and I'll be back."

The Blazers' broadcast caught the moment that Gortat felt pain during warmups. Here's the video:

I mean ... that doesn't look good. It may just be a spasm that quickly goes away, but spasms often are results of some structural problem that's lurked beneath the surface. Gortat did admit he's felt some pain the last 6-7 days and only now is doing something about it, so that doesn't bode well.

Hopefully, this is quickly forgotten and Gortat comes back shortly. The Wizards should -- and we know "should" is relative -- be favored against the Lakers Friday with or without Gortat, so I'd exercise caution. Back issues are not to be downplayed.