Scotty Pippen Jr. and Scoot Henderson return to action in Portland
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PORTLAND, Ore. — Memphis guard Scotty Pippen Jr. and Portland guard Scoot Henderson each played their first game of the 2025-26 season on Friday night, sharing the floor at Moda Center.
Pippen, 25, started for the Grizzlies after missing the opening months of the schedule while recovering from an October sesamoidectomy on his left big toe. His father, Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen, watched from courtside as the younger Pippen made his return. Last season, the guard appeared in 79 games for Memphis and averaged 9.9 points, 4.4 assists and 3.3 rebounds.
Henderson, sidelined since tearing his left hamstring during an offseason workout in September, checked in with 7:39 remaining in the first quarter to a loud ovation from the home crowd. Trail Blazers head coach Tiago Splitter had cautioned before tipoff that the third-year guard would be on a minutes restriction. Henderson had not played in an NBA game since March 27, 2025; he averaged 13.3 points, 5.2 assists and 3.1 rebounds over his first two seasons.
Henderson began noncontact drills in December and progressed to full practice two weeks ago. The team initially projected a four-to-six-week recovery when the injury occurred.
The Grizzlies and Trail Blazers faced off for the second time this season, with both backcourt players finally healthy enough to contribute.
Source: ESPN
