Two All-Stars have been confirmed as sidelined for the upcoming Friday night matchup in the Emirates NBA Cup, featuring key Western Conference rivals, the 6-5 Portland Trail Blazers and the 7-3 Houston Rockets.
Damian Lillard, the renowned point guard for Portland, has taken a leave of absence this season following a significant Achilles tendon injury suffered during the playoffs last spring. Despite re-signing with the Trail Blazers this summer for a three-year, $41.6 million contract, Lillard’s recovery has kept him off the court for the entirety of the season. Without him, the Trail Blazers have managed to maintain a competitive standing, showcasing a solid defense that may still position them as a playoff contender.
Conversely, Fred VanVleet, the former All-Star point guard for the Rockets, is also facing a lengthy recovery after tearing the ACL in his right knee during a September workout. His absence has pushed the Rockets to adapt, relying on emerging talents like Reed Sheppard. Selected as the No. 3 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft out of Kentucky, Shepherd has recently made a significant impact, contributing an average of 16.3 points over his past three games with impressive shooting percentages.
In addition to Shepherd, free agent Josh Okogie has stepped into a more prominent role than anticipated for Houston, while All-Defensive forward Amen Thompson has taken on additional responsibilities due to the roster adjustments caused by injuries. The current injury report indicates that guard Scoot Henderson, who is recovering from a left hamstring tear, will miss the opportunity to make his season debut. Other players, such as Matisse Thybulle and Blake Wesley, are also inactive due to injuries.
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Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers have assigned two-way players Javonte Cooke and rookie center Yang Hansen to the G League affiliate, the Rip City Remix, as they continue to develop. Hansen, standing at 7-foot-1, has seen limited action with the main roster and may be viewed as a long-term project.
Additionally, 3-and-D swingman Dorian Finney-Smith, acquired from the Los Angeles Lakers during the off-season, remains unavailable as he is recovering from left ankle surgery. The upcoming game will be pivotal for both teams as they navigate their current circumstances and aim to secure crucial conference standings early in the season.
