Blazers Injury Report: 2 Starters Likely to Miss Hawks Showdown

Ricardo Klein | Nov 16, 2024

Mar 16, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (1) and center Deandre Ayton (2) on the bench in the final few minutes of the game against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images / Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

The Portland Trail Blazers will look for their first three-game win streak of the season against the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday. However, they could be without two of their starters for the contest, guard Anfernee Simons and center Deandre Ayton.

Head coach Chauncey Billups listed Anfernee Simons as unlikely to play due to an illness; however, he is feeling better. Sean Highkin shared via Twitter/X.

Anfernee Simons is back at practice today after staying home sick for most of the week. Chauncey Billups says he’s unlikely to go tomorrow vs. Atlanta but he’s feeling better. Deandre Ayton also unlikely to play.

— Sean Highkin (@highkin) November 16, 2024

Billups also listed Ayton as unlikely to play due to his finger issue.

Ayton is expected to miss his third straight contest on Sunday due to a sprained right finger. Donovan Clingan should continue to start at center if Ayton is ultimately ruled out yet again.

Clingan is coming to this best contest of his young career on Wednesday when he recorded 17 points, 12 rebounds, one assist, and a career-high eight blocks against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The rookie center will look to continue his stellar play on Sunday, especially if Ayton is officially ruled out.

Ayton has been solid for the Trail Blazers, averaging 13.3 points per game, 10.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assists while shooting 52 percent from the field and 62 percent from the charity stripe.

The former No. 1 overall pick is in his second year in Portland.

As for Simons, he will likely miss his second straight contest Sunday due to an illness. However, the 25-year-old guard's participation in practice is a good sign that he is nearing a return to action.

The young guard is in his seventh season in Portland and is on his way to averaging his lowest points average since the 2020-21 season. He is averaging 16.3 points per game, 2.0 rebounds, and 4.3 assists, shooting 38 percent from the field and 30 percent from three.

The Trail Blazers selected the Florida native with the No. 24 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. Simons has started and played in 12 games thus far.

The Trail Blazers will host the Hawks on Sunday. Portland has a 3-4 home record, while the Hawks have a 2-3 road record.

The Trail Blazers average 10.6 made 3-pointers per game this season, 6.1 fewer makes per game than the Hawks give up (16.7). The Hawks average 117.2 points per game, 2.7 more than the 114.5 the Trail Blazers allow.

In Portland's last 10 games, they have averaged 105.7 points, 43.0 rebounds, 20.2 assists, 9.3 steals, and 5.5 blocks per game while shooting 43.8% from the field.

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