Portland Trail Blazers Struggle with Injuries Ahead of Matchup Against Bucks
The Portland Trail Blazers are facing a daunting challenge as they prepare for their 5 p.m. PT clash against the Milwaukee Bucks. The team will be missing six key players, while the Bucks are also dealing with their share of absences, including their star forward, Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Significant Absences for the Blazers
The list of unavailable players for the Blazers is a lengthy one, consisting of Scoot Henderson, Jrue Holiday, Shaedon Sharpe, Matisse Thybulle, Blake Wesley, and Damian Lillard.
Henderson, who has yet to see the court this season, is sidelined due to a left hamstring injury. The team has announced that he will be re-evaluated in two to four weeks as he continues his rehabilitation process.
Holiday’s situation adds to the team’s woes. He has been out since November 14, when he sustained a right calf strain during a tough loss to the Houston Rockets. The promising guard had established himself early in the season, averaging 16.7 points, 8.3 assists, and 5.3 rebounds as a starter. The Blazers expect to reevaluate his condition within the next week or two.
Sharpe, another rising star for Portland, continues to be hindered by a right calf strain incurred in a loss to the Phoenix Suns on November 18. This will mark his fourth consecutive game missed, and the team has yet to provide a timeline for his return. Prior to this injury, Sharpe was averaging an impressive 22.6 points per game.
Thybulle is also on the mend after undergoing surgery for a torn ligament in his left thumb at the end of October. The team projected a four-to-six week recovery period post-surgery, and he remains a significant absence for the squad.
Wesley’s situation is equally concerning, as he is recovering from a fracture in his right foot. Following surgery on November 5, he is expected to miss eight to twelve weeks.
Lastly, Lillard’s absence looms large for the Blazers. After undergoing surgery to repair a torn Achilles tendon, he has been ruled out for the entire season. The franchise icon, who spent his first nine seasons with Portland, aims to return by the start of the 2026-27 season.
Bucks Dealing with Their Own Shortcomings
The Bucks will not be at full strength either, missing their nine-time All-Star, Giannis Antetokounmpo, due to a left adductor strain. Alongside him, forward Alex Antetokounmpo (currently assigned to the G League) and guard Kevin Porter Jr. (recovering from a torn meniscus) will also be absent, as will forward Taurean Prince, who is dealing with a neck issue.
As the teams gear up for the matchup at the Moda Center, the Bucks enter as slight favorites, with a 1.5-point edge.
Looking Ahead
With both squads grappling with injuries, the game will likely hinge on depth and resilience. The Trail Blazers must find ways to overcome their challenging circumstances while the Bucks aim to capitalize on their opponents’ misfortunes. The basketball world will undoubtedly be watching closely as these two teams face off under unusual and trying conditions.
