Bryant knee injury adds to misery for NBA-worst Wizards

Thomas Bryant #13 of the Washington Wizards is injured during the first half of the game against the Miami Heat at Capital One Arena on January 9, 2021 in Washington, DC. Scott Taetsch/Getty Images/AFP

Adding to the woes of the NBA’s worst team, the Washington Wizards learned Sunday that forward Thomas Bryant has suffered a torn left knee ligament and will require surgery.

Washington fell to a league-worst 2-8 with a third consecutive defeat on Saturday, losing 128-124 to visiting Miami after Bryant exited for good in the first quarter.

The Wizards are also without NBA scoring leader Bradley Beal, who is on the Covid-19 reserve list, and backcourt partner Russell Westbrook, sidelined by a quad injury.

Bryant landed awkwardly while trying for a rebound and was carried off the court. His injury was determined by an MRI on Sunday.

Likely lost for the season, Bryant was having a career-best campaign, averaging 14.3 points and 6.1 rebounds through 10 games.

Westbrook, obtained in a trade with Houston, is averaging 19.3 points, 9.7 rebounds and an NBA-best 11.3 assists a game. He was injured in a loss Wednesday at Philadelphia.

Beal, averaging 35.0 points a game, played in losses to the 76ers and Boston and both clubs have had multiple players placed upon the Covid-19 reserve list due to positive tests or contact tracing.

The Wizards next play Monday at home against Phoenix.