Z's ankle?

[Sir Charles Barkley]

Keep Z in bubble wrap so he doesnt get hurt? This could be Z's new protective gear, lol

That's a lot of bubble wrap!

 

[KI4MVP]

Just concerned about re-injuring it. Don't want to turn a 1 week injury into a 3 week injury.

There is the issue of aggravating the injury. There is also the issue of causing problems elsewhere while favoring the ankle. We really could use him both tonight and vs Houston next week, though.

 

[KingSimba]

That's a lot of bubble wrap!

How much fun would it be to just fall down on purpose on that

 

[The Voice]

Z's ankle (though some healthy years):

 

[NarlCavs]

I'd sacrifice a game in Dec. if it meant Z's ankle would be strong for the rest of the season with no big lingering effects. I thought it might not be a bad idea if he was completely shut down for the last week or so and only did rehab and treatment for the ankle. No major oncourt activity. I would have targeted next weeks game against Houston as the earliest game to return.

 

[Karma]

As mentioned in the game thread, Z good to go tonight.

 

[KU_216]

Good stuff. Let's get this big win.

 

[xAusT1n]

im praying he does not reinjure it during this game, that would not be good. He sholdnt have played tonight cuz we for sure wouldnt have needed him against OKC

 

["MVP"]

Well, Z is back! Great game last night, Z!

Our other injury, Daniel Gibson, could be back as early as Tuesday, or so Brian Windhorst says. His expected return date is our Christmas Day game vs. the Wizards, but he really wants to play Tuesday against his hometown Rockets.

 

[Cavatt]

I was so worried the whole game that he was going to get hurt again. He was running all over the floor and throwing himself to the floor for loose balls. Dang he was everywhere showing hard etc. I could not tell that he was favoring an ankle. He ran just like always slow and funny.

 

[Kypus]

My apologies if anyone already posted this, but this would have been a lot worse than the foot problems or a sprained ankle for the big man:

http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2008/12/cavaliers_insider_zs_near_miss.html#more

Man, I've been following Z since he was drafted, and had never heard that story before! Great find, Chief.

 

[NarlCavs]

Great game from Z last night. Guess his ankle wasn't as bad as I thought it might have been. I thought it might be best still sit him for a few days but I didn't know what the hell I was talking about.
Considering all he's had to go through a ankle sprain can't stop Big Z.

 

[Kypus]

From the bottom of the Windhorst Lebron extension article:
(Basically Z says his ankle is OK)

Tape to rescue: Ilgauskas reported no lingering issues from his first game back from a sprained left ankle and also went through Saturday's drills. He tied a season-high with 23 points in the victory over the Nuggets on Friday night and was able to play 28 minutes. What seemed to help Ilgauskas was taping the ankle, which he has not done in years under doctor's orders following his foot reconstructive surgery.

http://www.cleveland.com/sports/index.ssf/2008/12/lebron_james_tells_the_pds_bri.html

 

[Jon]

Ahh more good news. It very well could have swelled up a lot after playing on it.

 

[Lee]

I think alot of players would have played through the injury, but with Z and that being his highly reconstructed foot the staff was extra cautious. Plus, even with no history of foot problems, the mere fact he is 7'3" gives you extra concern for an ankle injury and all the extra pressure he puts on the foot. Funny thing is Z is tough as nails....I think he would try to play on one leg if the staff would allow him. I dont think I could have more respect for a player than I do for Z.