The status of Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (back) is in question for Thursday’s matchup with the Magic. The former lottery pick is officially questionable for that road contest.
Simons is coming off a 24-point performance in a 116-107 win on the road against the Heat on Tuesday night. On the season, he is averaging 18.2 points and 4.9 assists, though it’s been an up-and-down campaign overall for the 25-year-old..
If Simons is out Thursday, Scoot Henderson will almost certainly take on extra responsibility and enter the starting lineup. The second-year point guard has showed encouraging flashes in recent weeks, posting at least 16 points in four of his last five games and six or more assists in each appearance.
However, Portland may still be shorthanded regardless of whether Simons suits up. Deandre Ayton, Kris Murray, and Toumani Camara are also each questionable for Thursday night’s game.
The Trail Blazers sit 13th in the Western Conference at 15-28 as they continue their rebuild in search of the top odds in the upcoming 2025 Draft Lottery.