Trail Blazers' Nassir Little: Undergoes core-muscle surgery
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Little (shoulder) underwent surgery Tuesday to repair a core-muscle injury.
Little had already been in recovery mode from his Feb. 1 surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder, an injury that ended his third NBA season prematurely. The core-muscle procedure -- which was performed by the same doctor who presided over teammate Damian Lillard's operation in mid-January -- won't affect the timeline related to Little's recovery from shoulder surgery. The expectation is that Little will be fully healed for both procedures in advance of training camp this fall.
Little underwent surgery Tuesday to repair the torn labrum in his left shoulder.
Little will miss the remainder of the 2021-22 season as a result of the procedure, but he's expected to make a full recovery in advance of training camp for the 2022-23 campaign. In the four games since he exited the lineup with the shoulder injury, Norman Powell has returned from an extended absence due to COVID-19 protocols and a personal matter to replace Little in the starting five.
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Trail Blazers' Nassir Little: Will undergo season-ending surgery
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The Trail Blazers announced Monday that Little will undergo season-ending surgery to repair the torn labrum in his left shoulder.
The injury couldn't have come at a worse time for the third-year pro, who was in the midst of his best statistical season. Little finishes the 2021-22 campaign averaging 9.8 points and 5.6 rebounds in 25.9 minutes per game -- all career highs. His absence should open up more opportunities for CJ Elleby and Tony Snell, while Norman Powell will likely be solidified as a starter on the wing alongside guards CJ McCollum and Anfernee Simons.
Trail Blazers' Nassir Little: Likely out for season
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Little will likely miss the remainder of the season after he was diagnosed Thursday with a left shoulder labral tear, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports.
The injury was confirmed Thursday after Little underwent an MRI. The 21-year-old had taken on an increased role to begin his third season with the Trail Blazers, averaging 9.8 points and 5.6 rebounds in 25.9 minutes per game across 42 appearances. His expected absence for the remainder of the 2021-22 campaign should open up more time at forward for CJ Elleby and Tony Snell, while solidifying Norman Powell as a starter on the wing alongside guards CJ McCollum and Anfernee Simons.
Little underwent an MRI on Wednesday that revealed a left shoulder labral tear, Jamie Hudson of KOIN 6 News Portland reports.
Little sustained a shoulder injury during Tuesday's loss to Minnesota, and he'll be forced to miss additional time following his MRI. A timetable for his return hasn't yet been revealed, but Tony Snell, Ben McLemore and CJ Elleby should see additional run in his absence.
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Trail Blazers' Nassir Little: Won't play Wednesday
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Little has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Mavericks due to a left shoulder strain, Casey Holdahl of the Trail Blazers' official site reports.
Little had been productive across his last two appearances, as he averaged 19.5 points and 7.5 rebounds in 34.0 minutes per contest during that time. However, he's now dealing with a left shoulder injury that will prevent him from suiting up in the second half of a back-to-back set. Tony Snell and Ben McLemore should handle additional work against Dallas.
Little provided 20 points (7-11 FG, 4-6 3Pt, 2-3 FT), eight rebounds and two assists in 29 minutes during Tuesday's 109-107 loss to Minnesota.
Though Norman Powell (personal) returned from an eight-game absence, Little maintained his spot in the starting five at small forward and made a case to stick on the top unit for at least one more game. Little did, however, pick up a left shoulder strain in the third quarter, though he was able to return for four minutes in the final stanza. He put up a few errant shots in the fourth quarter, so the shoulder injury may have played a role in his ineffectiveness. With Portland playing the second half of a back-to-back set Wednesday against the Mavericks, Little could appear on Portland's injury report, though for the time being, the expectation is that he'll play.
Trail Blazers' Nassir Little: Likely available Tuesday
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Little (knee) is listed as probable for Tuesday's contest against the Timberwolves, Casey Holdahl of the Trail Blazers' official site reports.
Little is expected to once again play through right knee pain. Since landing on the injury report, the third-year forward has totaled 26 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block over his last two games.
Little (knee) will be available for Sunday's game against the Trail Blazers, Jay Allen of NBC Sports Northwest Rip City Radio 620 reports.
As expected, Little will once again play through right knee pain. In his last contest, he totaled seven points, eight rebounds and two assists in 33 minutes of action.
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Trail Blazers' Nassir Little: Probable Sunday
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Little (knee) is probable for Sunday's game against the Raptors, Casey Holdahl of the Trail Blazers' official site reports.
Little continues to deal with a right knee injury but will likely play through the issue again Sunday. Assuming he's available, he should remain in the starting lineup since Norman Powell (personal) remains out.
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Trail Blazers' Nassir Little: Available against Boston
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Little (knee) is available for Friday's game against Boston, Casey Holdahl of the Trail Blazers' official site reports.
Little sustained a knee injury during Wednesday's game against the Heat, but he'll be back in action without missing any additional time. Since Norman Powell (personal) is unavailable once again, Little will likely draw another start.
