Trail Blazers’ Shaedon Sharpe Downgraded Before Lakers Clash

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Portland Trail Blazers have downgraded shooting guard Shaedon Sharpe from questionable to probable due to a sore left calf ahead of their game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday.

According to the official announcement from the Trail Blazers’ public relations team, Sharpe is dealing with calf soreness but is still expected to play. The 22-year-old has had a challenging start to the season, averaging 17.0 points and shooting a mere 32.6 percent from the field in his first five games.

With four other guards already ruled out for the game, Sharpe’s condition is critical for the Blazers. He recently signed a four-year, $90 million rookie scale contract extension, but his performance has wavered, with 1.6 assists paired with 3.6 turnovers per game.

Additionally, the Trail Blazers are missing key players due to injuries. Point guard Scoot Henderson, the No. 3 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, is sidelined with a left hamstring tear. Nine-time All-Star Damian Lillard is out for the entire season due to a ruptured left Achilles tendon, and Matisse Thybulle is also expected to be sidelined with a left thumb sprain.

The Blazers have struggled health-wise, and the team’s depth will be tested against the Lakers, who announced their lineup could include returning players Luka Doncic, Marcus Smart, and Jaxson Hayes after prior injuries.

Portland will play the Lakers at the Moda Center on Monday night, with game-time set for 10:00 PM ET.