Anfernee Simons returned to the Portland Trail Blazers lineup with a bang on Dec. 6, scoring like he never left as he dropped 28 points in a loss to the Golden State Warriors after missing six weeks. The Blazers were without starters Jerami Grant and Deandre Ayton, however, and lost Malcolm Brogdon to knee soreness, which likely contributed to another blown fourth-quarter lead.
Will Grant be back tonight when Portland returns home to Moda Center to face the Dallas Mavericks? What about Ayton and Brogdon?
Is Jerami Grant playing tonight for the Blazers?
Tonight's injury report looks quite similar to Wednesday's game against the Warriors, which is unfortunate for Portland.
Grant remains out and in the league's concussion protocol. Ayton is doubtful. Instead of Simons being a game-time decision, it's Brogdon who's listed as questionable. It's been a rotating injury door for the Blazers' backcourt in '23-24.
The frontcourt duo of Jabari Walker and Duop Reath should see extended run again, a pairing that's proved fruitful for head coach Chauncey Billups.
Brogdon started against the Warriors alongside Simons and Shaedon Sharpe, so it will be interesting to see what Billups does with that spot if Malcolm sits. Does Scoot Henderson get his first start since returning from injury? Do Matisse Thybulle and Toumani Camara start on the wing together?
Full injury report for Mavericks at Trail Blazers
The complete injury report for tonight's game is as follows:
Portland Trail Blazers:
- Out: Jerami Grant (concussion protocol); Robert Williams III (knee); Ish Wainright (knee)
- Doubtful: Deandre Ayton (knee soreness)
- Questionable: Malcolm Brogdon (knee soreness)
Dallas Mavericks
- Out: Grant Williams (knee); Maxi Kleber (toe); Josh Green (elbow)