The Portland Trail Blazers were not able to beat the Washington Wizards on Tuesday night and fell to that team, 126-101, at home.
But the game could have been a lot closer if the Blazers hadn’t lost one of their best stars during it.
Late in the third quarter, Anfernee Simons took a shot and then came down awkwardly on the back of Kyle Kuzma’s foot, which caused him to roll his ankle.
It was immediately obvious that Simons had hurt himself and he was then helped off the court.
He didn’t return to the game.
Chauncey Billups says Anfernee Simons x-rays were negative, waiting on further results. "It didn't look awesome, though."
— Sean Highkin (@highkin) February 15, 2023
Following the game, Portland head coach Chauncey Billups spoke about Simons and his status.
He said that the X-rays for a sprained ankle were negative but added that the results “didn’t look awesome.”
That’s an ominous statement from the coach and a sign that the Blazers may be without Simons for some time.
This isn’t what they want, especially right now.
The Blazers are the 11th team in the West, which means that every single win they can claim is important and inches them closer to being in the play-in games or the playoffs.
Simons is obviously going to be a huge part of any success they find.
He is averaging 21.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 4.2 rebounds a game this season.
In many ways, he has become the second-most important man on the court, behind only Damian Lillard.
If the Blazers lose him for any amount of time, the rest of the squad will need to step up and fill the void that’ll be left by him.
We should know more about Simons’ health soon and the Blazers will then move forward with or without him.
NEXT: Damian Lillard Tied An Elite NBA Mark
