The Portland Trail Blazers released their injury report for their Sunday, Dec. 8 matchup on the road against the Los Angeles Lakers. They'll be short-handed again, with over a third of their roster popping up on the report. Here's what it currently looks like:
The Blazers will likely be without three of their four centers. If Duop Reath is downgraded to out, look for Chauncey Billups to go with Jabari Walker and Deni Avdija at the center position to spell Deandre Ayton, who is looking for a redemption game after only playing two minutes in the entire second half of their 141 - 99 blowout loss to the Jazz because Billups "didn't like his spirit in the game."
Two silver linings from the Blazers' lengthy injury report are Scoot Henderson and Toumani Camara. Sean Highkin of Rip City Radio 620 mentions that Henderson's status is "up in the air, but they think he's close."
Scoot's injury was a contusion, and surprisingly, he's already missed five straight games, last playing on November 27 against the Pacers. The Blazers could use the bench depth with the lengthy injury list.
The most promising update is Toumani Camara being listed as "doubtful" instead of "out." Camara only played eight minutes against Utah before exiting with a right foot injury. Highkin notes, "I saw him last night after the game, and he didn't seem to think it was anything serious."
Billups said today at practice that Camara was out tomorrow but on the injury report the team is officially calling him “doubtful.” Good sign that it’s not too serious. I saw him last night after the game and he didn’t seem to think it was anything serious. https://t.co/IPz8ToFpxm
— Sean Highkin (@highkin) December 8, 2024
The Blazers' lack of available big men has become a significant defensive liability. Portland has surrendered an alarming 135 points per game during their three-game losing streak. They can't afford to lose Camara- who is capable of making multiple All-Defensive Team appearances by the end of his career- for an extended period.
In the meantime, Portland's starting lineup could look like:
Avdija should slide back into the starting lineup, a role he was delegated at the beginning of the season. He's earned a starting spot with his stellar play and improved shooting lately, but we wish the circumstances had been better.
Camara is averaging 9.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.4 steals per game on 42/38/68 shooting splits this season. He's emerged as a reliable 3-and-D wing for Portland and a key member of their rebuilding core.