HOUSTON (AP) - Von Wafer was cleared to play in Game 6 of the Houston Rockets' first-round series against the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday night, a few hours after the team announced he would sit out with back spasms.
The Rockets lead the series 3-2.The 6-foot-5 Wafer has been a key reserve for Houston in the series, averaging 10.6 points and 1.2 assists. Wafer averaged 9.7 points during the regular season and was the team's second-best 3-point shooter (39 percent).
Wafer played 16 minutes in Portland's 88-77 victory in Game 5 on Tuesday. He underwent X-ray and MRI exams on Wednesday that revealed the bulging disk.
The team announced on Thursday afternoon that Wafer was sitting out Game 6. But Wafer was shooting jumpers on the court about two hours before the game, while trainer Keith Jones watched him. Team doctors examined Wafer and said he was OK to play.
"He's been our best player off the bench offensively," Houston coach Rick Adelman said. "He gives us a spark and gives us a real edge there. I was encouraged to see how he warmed up, so we'll see."
