ATLANTA -- Wizards point guard John Wall missed Game 2 of the second-round series against the Atlanta Hawks with a wrist injury. Wall, who scored 18 points and dished out 13 assists in Washington's Game 1 road win, injured his left wrist during the second quarter of the series opener and was a last-minute addition to the inactives list on Tuesday night.
Coach Randy Wittman said in his pregame availability that there was no injury news to report, but had stated previously that the final decision on Wall's wrist would fall on the medical staff. And it seems to be a last-minute decision: Wall was ruled out just an hour before tip-off.
If Wall is in serious pain or cannot play effectively due to the swelling, as his absence suggests, it's a prudent move for Wittman and his staff to rest their All-Star point guard -- as well as prevent the risk of further injury -- after already stealing home-court advantage from the Hawks. Game 3 will not be played until Saturday evening in the nation's capital, potentially giving Wall six days of rest and recovery time.
Wall is averaging 17.4 points and 12.6 assists per game this postseason.
Backup point guard Ramon Sessions will start in the Wizards backcourt alongside Bradley Beal, who injured his ankle in the second half of Game 1.
