Rockets F Artest has torn ligaments in ankle

Dec 10, 2008 - 8:06 PM HOUSTON (Ticker) -- Houston Rockets forward Ron Artest has two slightly torn ligaments in his right ankle and his playing status will be determined on a game-to-game basis.

An MRI performed Tuesday revealed the injury - an existing condition that may have resulted from years of playing on concrete, according to the team trainer.

Artest injured the ankle last month and it was originally thought that he had simply suffered a sprain. Continued discomfort, however, prompted the MRI, which indicated the ankle sprain had aggravated the damaged ligaments.

Artest did not play in Monday's 109-97 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, but hopes to be ready for Friday's game at Golden State. He returned Tuesday to score 19 points in just under 40 minutes in a 92-84 win over Atlanta.

"I have to take the doctor's advice," Artest told the Houston Chronicle. "He said, 'If you feel good, it is something you can play on. If it doesn't feel good, you don't have to play.'"

In his first season with the Rockets, Artest has averaged 15.8 points and 6.1 rebounds through 21 games.