The injury report continues to shape several NBA storylines as the Trail Blazers, Hornets and Heat await key contributors.
Portland Trail Blazers
Portland’s bid to remain in the Western Conference play-in mix has been derailed by an unrelenting string of injuries. Guard Jrue Holiday has been sidelined for almost six weeks with a right calf strain originally projected to cost just one to two weeks. Forwards Jerami Grant and Matisse Thybulle have also missed stretches, and rookie Scoot Henderson has yet to make his NBA debut.
“It’s the injuries, my friend,” head coach Tiago Splitter told reporters, noting the lack of continuity has made it difficult to establish rhythm on either end of the floor.
Charlotte Hornets
Rookie guard Kon Knueppel left Friday’s matchup with Orlando after spraining his right ankle, but initial tests indicated no significant damage. Head coach Charles Lee described Knueppel as “an insane competitor” and said the 19-year-old is already lobbying to return to practice. The Hornets will evaluate him daily.
Knueppel has started 30 of Charlotte’s 31 games, averaging 19.3 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists while posting elite shooting numbers for a first-year player.
Miami Heat
Center Bam Adebayo is listed as probable for Monday night’s game against Denver after sitting out the previous two contests. According to the Miami Herald, Adebayo required time to address lingering physical issues caused by overcompensation.
“He really needed this time,” head coach Erik Spoelstra said, adding that the All-Star big man “is feeling a lot better each day.” Adebayo’s return would provide a boost for a Heat roster that depends heavily on his two-way impact.
Source: Hoops Wire
