Center Thomas Bryant sidelined with foot injury

Third year center Thomas Bryant will miss at least the next three weeks with a stress reaction in his right foot. With backup centers Moe Wagner (ankle) and Ian Mahnmi (Achilles) sidelined, the Wizards are will enter tonight’s game against the Orlando Magic without a center.

Stress reactions are the result of repetitive stress injuries of the bone. They are a reaction to repeated forces and are considered a precursor to a more serious stress fracture or a full break of the bone.

Bryant can lean on teammate Bradley Beal for advice and support. Beal dealt with stress reactions in his legs twice during his professional career and matured into one of the game’s more durable performers.

While Bryant’s defensive progress hasn’t been as swift as hoped, the Wizards will miss one their best rebounder and one of their most efficient scorers.

Head coach Scott Brooks will get to live every coach’s dream and go with all small-ball lineups until Wagner is able to return. The center position will likely be manned by some combination of Davis Bertans, Rui Hachimura, and perhaps Isaac Bonga or Admiral Schofield. It’s unlikely this will help the team’s interior defense.