:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66274370/usa_today_13987877.0.jpg)
UPDATE: Feb.8, 10:15 a.m. — Whiteside missed Friday’s game vs. the Jazz and it was a tough loss for the Blazers. Rudy Gobert had a controversial block on Damian Lillard, which should have been called goaltending. The bucket would have given the Blazers the lead with 116-115, but instead the ball was given to the Jazz and two free throws sealed the win.
Whiteside was replaced in the lineup with Caleb Swanigan, who finished with four points and 11 rebounds in 28 minutes. As expected, the Blazers went with lineups featuring three guards in Dame, CJ McCollum and Gary Trent Jr. Trent finished with 16 points, four steals and four boards in 38 minutes in the loss. CJ had 27 points and Dame led all scorers with 42 on 16-30 shooting from the floor.
Portland Trail Blazers C Hassan Whiteside is questionable to play in Friday’s game vs. the Utah Jazz. Rookie G/F Nassir Little (ankle) will remain out of the lineup for a second straight game.
Hassan Whiteside (left lower leg contusion) is questionable for tonight's game at Utah. Nassir Little will miss his 2nd straight game with a sprained left ankle. #Blazers @RipCityRadio620
— Jay Allen (@PDXjay) February 7, 2020
If Whiteside sits against the Jazz, there are implications on both sides. First off, Rudy Gobert would become a much more enticing play in DFS on DraftKings. The Blazers also don’t really have a backup center on the roster, so chances are they could go small ball with Carmelo Anthony and Trevor Ariza with Damian Lillard, C.J. McCollum and Gary Trent Jr. Caleb Swanigan should also see additional minutes and could be the starter in place of Whiteside.