LaMarcus Aldridge missed several games in January after injuring his left thumb, but opted to return to the court rather than undergo surgery. He injured the same hand in the first quarter of Saturday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies, and sat out the second half. X-rays were negative, but Aldridge told reporters he would take his time returning to the court. The two injuries are considered unrelated, according to FanSided.
What LaMarcus Aldridge’s hand injury means for the Trail Blazers
The Trail Blazers need Aldridge in the fight for playoff seeding in the Western Conference.
Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
The Portland Trail Blazers missed Aldridge, they lost to the Grizzlies, 97-86. It was their fourth-straight loss. Aldridge is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Golden State Warriors.
“As of right now, I can’t use [my hand],” Aldridge told reporters. “So it wouldn’t be possible right now, but what we got? Three days? Two days? Hopefully these next two days are really good.”
Portland's injury issues go beyond Aldridge. Nicolas Batum sat out the second half of the loss to the Grizzlies as well with back spasms. After losing Wesley Matthews for the season with a torn Achilles, the Trail Blazers need to get healthy as they enter the homestretch of the season.
After Saturday's loss, the Trail Blazers are 44-24, which is the fourth best record in the Western Conference, but they're only one game ahead of the Dallas Mavericks, who are seventh. Only three games separate the five teams fighting for the third seed in the West.
The Trail Blazers are in serious danger of slipping without Aldridge, who is the team's leading scorer and rebounder. Aldridge is scoring 23.5 points and grabbing 10.4 rebounds per game. Meyers Leonard and Robin Lopez will need to step up if Aldridge's recovery is slow. Leonard is averaging just 15 minutes per game in his 45 appearances.
Batum, meanwhile was supposed to help in the absence of Matthews. Batum doesn't put up big numbers -- he averages 9.4 points and Arron Afflalo is going to have to continue to make shots -- he's hit 42 percent of his threes in his 14 games with the Trail Blazers. Dorell Wright would see a lot more court time if Batum is out. Wright has played 11 minutes per game.
In the end, though, Damian Lillard will need to up his game. the All-Star has the ability to lead a team, and this is his chance.
See More:
