Reggio Emilia Forced out of the game at the start of the third period of the derby with the Virtus Bologna on Monday evening, Jamar Smith he will not be able to return before the start of the – still possible – playoffs.
There is therefore hope of being able to see the veteran battle again Unahotels before the season ends: the injury that the American winger suffered to his left shoulder in the second half is not of the severity that everyone at Pallacanestro Reggiana initially feared.
The MRI and the subsequent visit to the red and white orthopedic consultant, Dr. Rodolfo Rocchi, carried out yesterday highlighted a subluxation of the player’s left shoulder who immediately began the treatment and rehabilitation process. Smith’s condition will be monitored daily by the Reggio Emilia medical staff but will be re-evaluated in approximately two weeks with instrumental tests.
From what is reported from the control room of the club in via Martiri della Bettola, the club will not return to the market and will play this season finale with the current staff.
THEcoach Dimitris Priftis he will therefore not have a replacement available and will be forced to do without his most experienced and savvy element for the two remaining matches of the regular season: Sunday afternoon in via Guasco against Napoli and Sunday 5 May at the Pala Serradimigni against Dinamo Sassari.
In Sardinia the red and whites could arrive with the pass for the post season already in hand (not to mention already certain of the position in the playoff grid). And this is what everyone hopes: that qualification can be celebrated already on Sunday evening by taking the two points up for grabs in the match against Napoli, thus allowing the Reggio Emilia troop to face the trip to Sardinia with a lighter heart.
The defeat against Virtus certainly left a bitter legacy, beyond the injury that sidelined Jamar Smith.
Having failed to achieve a seasonal trio against the Bianconeri from Bologna, Vitali and his associates were in fact forced to drop one position, giving up fifth place to Dolomiti Energia Trentino who are tied on points with the Reggio Emilia team (30) but have a favorable goal difference on their side.
On Sunday, Paolo Galbiati’s Trentino team will be involved in a very interesting direct clash against Estra Pistoia, an authentic revelation of the season, currently seventh with 28 points.
BertramTortona is currently at 28 and is preparing to welcome Virtus Bologna on Sunday afternoon.
Considering that just outside the playoff zone, with 26 points, there is Naples that is champing at the bit, it becomes very clear how the penultimate round of the regular season could already define some situations.
In all of this, Unahotels will have to be ready not to make mistakes or carelessness, aware that they will have to do without their most mature player who so often got them out of trouble during a year of ups but also of deep downs.
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