Injury Challenges: Key NBA Stars Sideline as Blazers, Lakers, Suns, and Kings Clash
A significant 18 players from the Portland Trail Blazers and Los Angeles Lakers are currently sidelined due to injuries. Scoot Henderson will remain out for the rest of the season under the concussion protocol, while Deni Avdija is listed as doubtful and Shaedon Sharpe is potentially unable to play. The Lakers will also miss some of their brightest talents. Luka Doncic and LeBron James are both reported as not participating, joining Austin Reaves and Dorian Finney-Smith among others on the bench.
Portland Trail Blazers
- Deni Avdija: Doubtful, right thumb sprain
- Deandre Ayton: Out, left calf strain
- Jerami Grant: Out, right knee inflammation
- Scoot Henderson: Out, concussion protocol
- Bryce McGowens: Out, right rib fracture
- Shaedon Sharpe: Questionable, right knee soreness
- Anfernee Simons: Out, right forearm contusion
- Robert Williams III: Out, left knee injury management
Los Angeles Lakers
- Luka Doncic: Out, left quad soreness
- Dorian Finney-Smith: Out, left ankle effusion
- Jordan Goodwin: Probable, right plantar fasciitis
- Rui Hachimura: Out, left patellar tendinopathy
- Jaxson Hayes: Questionable, right hand contusion
- LeBron James: Out, left groin strain
- Maxi Kleber: Out, right foot surgery recovery
- Austin Reaves: Out, right ankle sprain
- Jarred Vanderbilt: Questionable, left foot injury management
- Gabe Vincent: Questionable, left knee effusion
In another highly anticipated matchup, the Phoenix Suns will face the Sacramento Kings, with many Phoenix stars sitting out of action.
Phoenix Suns
- Bradley Beal: Out, rest
- Devin Booker: Out, right calf soreness
- Kevin Durant: Out, left ankle sprain
- Nick Richards: Out, right elbow inflammation
Sacramento Kings
- Jake LaRavia: Out, left thumb incomplete scaphoid fracture
- Malik Monk: Out, left calf strain
The Trail Blazers and Lakers will face off at 12:30 PM Pacific Time at the Moda Center, while the Suns and Kings tip off at the same time in Sacramento.