Rockets' Reed Sheppard sidelined for at least 4 weeks with fractured thumb

Houston rookie Reed Sheppard will be out of action for a minimum of four weeks due to a fractured right thumb.

Rockets coach Ime Udoka announced Sheppard’s status Saturday and said that the injury is to the top of his thumb and not the lower portion, which is a “better outcome.”

Udoka said Sheppard would be in a splint for about four weeks as he recovers from the injury that occurred in Houston’s win over New Orleans on Thursday night, when he slapped down on the ball on a foul on Zion Williamson.

Sheppard, the No. 3 pick in last year’s draft, is averaging 3.9 points, 1.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists this season.