The Portland Trail Blazers recently fell to the Memphis Grizzlies 123-98. Memphis outplayed Portland and is the more talented team overall, but it also didn't help that injuries decimated the Blazers. Kris Murray, Deandre Ayton, and Donovan Clingan were all ruled out prior to the game, while Jerami Grant and Robert Williams III exited early with their own injuries.
Now, the Blazers are set to take on the Indiana Pacers and are expected to be shorthanded once again, with seven of Portland's players making the injury report and three already ruled out.
Portland Trail Blazers injury report
Scoot Henderson (back), Deandre Ayton (finger), and Kris Murray (chest) are all listed as game-time decisions.
UPDATE: Scoot Henderson and Deandre Ayton are available. Kris Murray has been ruled out.
Those already ruled out include Matisse Thybulle, Donovan Clingan, and Robert Williams III. Thybulle was expected to return soon but experienced a setback in the form of a right ankle sprain. Clingan suffered a grade 2 MCL sprain and will be re-evaluated in two weeks. Robert Williams III is in concussion protocol.
It appears Jerami Grant (knee), who is listed as doubtful, will be out as well, but the fact that he's not immediately ruled out is promising for a return in the short term, with his next chance coming Friday.
UPDATE: Jerami Grant has officially been ruled out.
Here are the expected return dates for each injured Blazers player:
Player | Status | Injury | Estimated return |
|---|---|---|---|
Kris Murray | Out | Chest | Nov. 29 |
Deandre Ayton | Available | Finger | Nov. 27 |
Scoot Henderson | Available | Back | Nov. 27 |
Jerami Grant | Out | Knee | Nov. 29 |
Robert Williams III | Out | Concussion protocol | Nov. 29 |
Matisse Thybulle | Out | Ankle | 3-6 Weeks |
Donovan Clingan | Out | Grade 2 MCL sprain | 2 Weeks |
Note: Those in italics have been updated
Indiana Pacers injury report
Johnny Furphy (ankle) is a game-time decision.
UPDATE: Johnny Furphy is available for tonight's game.
Isaiah Jackson (Achilles) is out for the season. Others ruled out for this matchup include Ben Sheppard (oblique), Aaron Nesmith (ankle), and Andrew Nembhard (knee).
How to watch Blazers at Pacers
The game is slated for 4:00 p.m. PT. For fans in the Portland area who are watching over the air with an antenna, the game will be on KATU station channel 2.1. Here is a full streaming guide of how to watch the games over the air for Pacific Northwest areas outside of Portland. While it's not a nationally televised game, other options include streaming via NBA LeaguePass (blackout restrictions apply) or BlazerVision.
Next five games for Portland
The Blazers continue their difficult schedule to start the season at home against the Kings, who they already lost to on Oct. 28, 111-98. Here's their next five matchups:
- Friday, Nov. 29 vs. Sacramento Kings (7:00 p.m. PT)
- Sunday, Dec. 1 vs. Dallas Mavericks (6:00 p.m. PT)
- Tuesday, Dec. 3 at LA Clippers (7:30 p.m. PT)
- Friday, Dec. 6 vs. Utah Jazz (7:00 p.m. PT)
- Sunday, Dec. 8 at LA Lakers (6:30 p.m. PT)