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Injury Report – Ed Davis Out for Season, Evan Turner Recovering

December 12, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Evan Turner (1) moves to the basket as forward Ed Davis (17) covers against Los Angeles Clippers center Marreese Speights (5) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
December 12, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Evan Turner (1) moves to the basket as forward Ed Davis (17) covers against Los Angeles Clippers center Marreese Speights (5) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

As the Blazers approach the last quarter of the season, the injury bug has hit with Evan Turner and Ed Davis.

The Blazers have had quite a few players become familiar with the injury report this season, and the pattern continues as we hit the month of March.

No more Phys Ed

Ed Davis had a productive 2015-16 campaign came crashing back down to earth this season, maybe at an alarming rate. Davis has decreased his production in every major statistic besides personal fouls and turnovers. To top things off, ‘Phys Ed’ has been ruled out for the rest of the season.

Jan 10, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Ed Davis (17) attempts a shot after being fouled by Los Angeles Lakers guard Lou Williams (23) during the fourth quarter at Staples Center. The Portland Trail Blazers won 108-87. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Ed Davis (17) attempts a shot after being fouled by Los Angeles Lakers guard Lou Williams (23) during the fourth quarter at Staples Center. The Portland Trail Blazers won 108-87. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Davis hitting the injury report caps off an underwhelming season where he really struggled to regain his form from last season. He had reportedly gained 15-20 pounds in order to be the rim protector the Blazers need, but he ultimately fell in all major defensive metrics. His DRPM, DFG%, rim deterrent rate as well as pick and roll defense all dropped.

He ranked worse than Meyers Leonard in rim deterrent rate as well as pick and roll defense – ranking in the THIRD percentile. Now that’s something to improve on. Let’s hope Davis comes back rejuvenated for the 2017-18 season.

ET phone Portland!

Evan Turner‘s injury status has been updated. He is recovering nicely and hopes to be back in a week or two.

This is good news for a Blazer team that continues to push for the 8th seed. That should be of no surprise to anyone with competitors like Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum on the roster. ET was projected to be out 4-6 weeks from the injury date (February 7th) so it’s positive that he’s within the timeline.

Feb 23, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Injured Portland Trail Blazers guard Evan Turner (1) celebrates after Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (not pictured) made a three point shot during the fourth quarter at Amway Center. The Trail Blazers won 112-103. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Injured Portland Trail Blazers guard Evan Turner (1) celebrates after Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (not pictured) made a three point shot during the fourth quarter at Amway Center. The Trail Blazers won 112-103. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

The Blazers could certainly use his perimeter defense that has ranked 22nd in the league (110.0 defensive efficiency) in the past 10 games. Turner will also hope to pick up where he left off where he had thrust himself into the starting lineup. He averaged 14.3ppg on 51.4% shooting in 27mpg in the 3 games in February before he got hurt.

Portland’s season has been a roller coaster full of ups and downs, and this trend continues as it’s one in, and one out on the inactive list.

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