Injury Woes Impact NBA Cup Matchup
The anticipation surrounding Friday night’s Emirates NBA Cup clash between the Portland Trail Blazers and the Houston Rockets has been significantly dampened by the absence of two prominent All-Stars. This matchup, featuring the 6-5 Trail Blazers and the 7-3 Rockets, is not only a contest between two of the Western Conference’s leading teams but also a reminder of the fragility of player health in professional basketball.
Damian Lillard’s Setback
At the heart of the Trail Blazers’ challenges is point guard Damian Lillard. After re-signing with Portland on a three-year, $41.6 million contract this summer, hopes were high for his return to form. However, a torn Achilles tendon sustained during last spring’s playoffs has sidelined him for the entire season. Lillard’s contract was likely seen as a bargain due to the circumstances surrounding his injury and the financial maneuvering of his former team, the Milwaukee Bucks, who stretched and waived his remaining salary.
Despite his absence, the Trail Blazers have displayed considerable resilience. This season’s roster, emphasizing defensive tenacity, appears capable of remaining competitive in the playoff race, even without their star point guard.
Fred VanVleet’s Injury Struggles
On the other side, the Rockets are grappling with their own significant setback. Fred VanVleet, the team’s point guard and a former All-Star, suffered a torn ACL in his right knee during a September workout. This injury could keep him out for a substantial portion, if not all, of the season. In the wake of his injury, Houston has had to adapt quickly, employing a patchwork strategy to fill the void left by VanVleet’s absence.
Second-year guard Reed Sheppard, selected third overall in the 2024 NBA Draft out of Kentucky, has begun to shine in recent games. Over his last three outings, the 6-foot-2 Sheppard has averaged 16.3 points, shooting an impressive 65.8 percent from the field, including 60 percent from beyond the arc. His contributions include 3.0 assists, 2.3 steals, and solid defensive efforts.
Additionally, free-agent signing Josh Okogie has stepped up unexpectedly, while All-Defensive forward Amen Thompson has taken on a larger role than anticipated.
Injury Reports and G League Assignments
Compounding the injury challenges for both teams, the latest league injury report indicates that Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson is still sidelined with a left hamstring tear, delaying his much-anticipated season debut. Other notable absences for Portland include All-Defensive wing Matisse Thybulle, who is recovering from a left thumb ligament tear, and Blake Wesley, who is dealing with a right foot fracture. Two-way players Javonte Cooke and rookie center Yang Hansen are currently on assignment with the Trail Blazers’ G League affiliate, the Rip City Remix. Hansen, standing at 7-foot-1, has seen limited action this season, appearing more of a developmental project than a ready contributor.
For the Rockets, two-way players Isaiah Crawford and Kevon Harris are gaining experience with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. Meanwhile, Dorian Finney-Smith, acquired from the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency, has yet to take the court this season as he recovers from offseason surgery on his left ankle.
As both teams prepare for their showdown, the impact of these injuries looms large, reshaping the narrative around what promised to be an exciting matchup in the early NBA season.
