{"id":59490,"date":"2023-12-06T13:37:27","date_gmt":"2023-12-06T18:37:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=59490"},"modified":"2023-12-06T13:43:50","modified_gmt":"2023-12-06T18:43:50","slug":"nba-rumors-anfernee-simons-returning-tonight-brandley-beal-kyrie-irving","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2023\/12\/06\/nba-rumors-anfernee-simons-returning-tonight-brandley-beal-kyrie-irving\/","title":{"rendered":"NBA Rumors: Anfernee Simons Has Good Chance of Returning Tonight, Bradley Beal &#038; Kyrie Irving Updates, Plus More"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The Portland Trail Blazers could have their leading returning scorer back for the first time since their season opener as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/s\/simonan01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Anferenee Simons<\/strong><\/a> (thumb)is listed as questionable for tonight&#8217;s clash against the Golden State Warriors, per Sean Highkin of Rose Garden Report.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Anfernee Simons has been upgraded to \u201cquestionable\u201d for tomorrow\u2019s game at Golden State, meaning there\u2019s a chance he could play for the first time since opening night. Jerami Grant (concussion protocol) is out. Deandre Ayton is doubtful with right knee soreness.<\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Sean Highkin (@highkin) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/highkin\/status\/1732204222291300797?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">December 6, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Simons went through a full practice on Monday, and presumably Tuesday,\u00a0 and looked great, according to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/brogdma01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Malcolm Brogdon<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Simons suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right thumb in the season-opening loss at the Los Angeles <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2023\/12\/03\/nba-rumors-tidbits-clippers-tyrese-haliburton-dunk-of-the-year-candidate-plus-more\/\" target=\"_self\">Clippers<\/a>. He then underwent surgery on Oct. 31 with a general timetable of six weeks, so he\u2019s a little bit ahead of schedule.<\/p>\n<p>Simons is in the second\u00a0 season of a four-year, $100MM contract. The 24-year-old guard is an explosive scorer who produced career-highs in points (21.1) and assists (4.1) &#8212; both stats were second on the team behind only<a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/l\/lillada01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong> Damian Lillard<\/strong><\/a>. He scored 18 points on 6 of 14 shooting from the field, including 2 of 6 from the 3-point line, and doled out four assists against the Clippers. However, injuries have been a problem for the youngster, as he has not appeared in more than 70 games since his second season.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">&quot;I\u2019m just excited to go out there and play and do my thing.\u201d &#8212; <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/AnferneeSimons?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@AnferneeSimons<\/a>   <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/CKFyFNIfXt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/t.co\/CKFyFNIfXt<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Casey Holdahl (@CHold) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/CHold\/status\/1732239503904166348?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">December 6, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3>Jerami Grant and Deandre Ayton<\/h3>\n<p>If Simons can return tonight, it will be a huge boom for the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2023\/04\/20\/potential-portland-trail-blazers-backcourt-shakeup-could-anfernee-simons-or-shaeden-sharpe-be-traded\/\" target=\"_self\">Trail Blazers<\/a> (6-13). <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/g\/grantje01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Jerami Grant<\/strong> <\/a>(concussion) has already been ruled out.\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/a\/aytonde01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Deandre Ayton<\/strong><\/a> (right knee soreness) will also not play, as he is doubtful.<\/p>\n<p>On Monday, the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2023\/05\/19\/nba-rumors-portland-trail-blazers-look-to-trade-no-3-pick\/\" target=\"_self\">Blazers<\/a> announced Grant was placed into concussion protocol. \u00a0Grant sustained the injury during the fourth quarter of Saturday\u2019s game against Utah and did not return, per the team. If Ayton can&#8217;t go, it will be the second game he has missed this year, as he sat out one game due to a back injury.<\/p>\n<p>With the injuries, seeing what lineup the Trail Blazers run out will be interesting. Simons will likely return to the starting lineup, but perhaps not tonight, as he could be on a minutes restriction. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/r\/reathdu01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Duop Reath<\/a><\/strong>, who started the previous game Ayton sat out, will likely start at center. Meanwhile<a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/t\/thybuma01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> Matisse Thybulle<\/a> could start at small forward, moving rookie <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/c\/camarto01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Toumani Camari<\/strong><\/a> to power forward.<\/p>\n<h3>Bradley Beal Could Return Soon<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/bealbr01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Bradley Beal<\/strong><\/a> missed his 11th straight game due to back issues and 18th overall last night in the Phoenix Suns 106-103 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. However, Shams Charania of The Athletic said on The Rally that there is hope that he won\u2019t be sidelined for too much longer.<\/p>\n<p>https:\/\/twitter.com\/TheRally\/status\/1732182952199758083<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>\u00a0<em>\u201cI\u2019m told Beal has started his ramp-up process, and he\u2019s continuing to progress in that ramp-up. T<\/em><em>he goal is to track toward a return soon, potentially over the next 10 days, as long as the progress continues. But we know it\u2019s been a fluid process with this back (issue). The back can be something that you have to be cautious with.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Phoenix (12-9) has been playing well lately, with their loss to the Lakers just their third in the last 11 games.<\/p>\n<h3>Utah Jazz Will Be Without 3 Players<\/h3>\n<p>Utah (7-13) will face the Dallas Mavericks (11-8) tonight extremely shorthanded. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/c\/clarkjo01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Jordan Clarkson<\/strong><\/a> will miss his third straight game due to a right thigh contusion. Meanwhile, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/o\/olynyke01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Kelly Olymyk<\/strong><\/a> has been ruled out for a second consecutive contest with a right shoulder strain, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/m\/markkla01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Lauri Markkanen<\/strong><\/a> (left hamstring strain) is slated to miss his sixth straight contest.\u00a0 Markkanen is slated to be re-evaluated sometime this week. That&#8217;s then there should be a better sense of when the 26-year-old forward could return.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, Dallas will be without <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/k\/klebima01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Maxi Kleber<\/strong><\/a> (dislocated toe) and<a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/g\/greenjo02.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong> Josh Green<\/strong><\/a> (elbow). Kleber, who has been out since November 9, has yet to be cleared to start running. Green, who missed his first game against OKC on Saturday, \u00a0is expected to miss multiple weeks due to a sprain in his right elbow, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.<\/p>\n<p>https:\/\/twitter.com\/TheRally\/status\/1732186841980485687?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1732186841980485687%7Ctwgr%5E5327fe2b71badf1fb46ff42f025260e86ea48a77%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&#038;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.si.com%2Fnba%2Fmavericks%2Fnews%2Fdallas-mavs-josh-green-miss-next-couple-weeks-next-man-up<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/w\/willigr01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Grant Williams<\/strong><\/a>, who didn&#8217;t practice on Monday due to knee soreness, is listed as questionable. However,<a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/i\/irvinky01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong> Kyrie Irving<\/strong><\/a>, who missed Saturday&#8217;s game due to a foot injury, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/h\/hardati02.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Tim Hardaway Jr,<\/strong><\/a> who has been out since Nov. 29 with a back injury, are available tonight.<\/p>\n<h3>Other Tidbits<\/h3>\n<p>Denver Nuggets point guard <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/m\/murraja01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Jamal Murray<\/strong><\/a>, who has missed the last three games with a right ankle injury, \u00a0is considered questionable to return to action tonight vs. the Clippers, per\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.denverpost.com\/2023\/12\/05\/jamal-murray-ankle-injury-update-nuggets-clippers-game-reggie-jackson\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Bennett Durando of The Denver Post<\/a>.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><em>\u201cHamstring\u2019s fine. I\u2019ve worked enough to get it back to strength,\u201d\u00a0<\/em>Murray said.\u00a0<em>\u201cNow it\u2019s just another thing.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Denver (14-7) has struggled without Murray this season, winning just seven of their last 13 games that he has missed. Speaking of missed games, Murray who would be eligible for a super-max extension if he earns All-NBA honors this season. However, he would fall short of the required 65 games if he misses five more contests.<\/p>\n<p>Orlando Magic guard <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/f\/fultzma01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Markelle Fultz<\/strong><\/a> will miss the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers tonight, marking his 13th absence of the season due to left knee tendinitis. Fultz is &#8220;progressing slowly&#8221; and is not doing full contract work during practices, Magic coach Jahmahl Moseley said yesterday, per <a href=\"https:\/\/www.orlandosentinel.com\/2023\/12\/05\/orlando-magic-jamahl-mosley-jalen-suggs-jonathan-isaac-markelle-fultz-nba-cleveland-cavaliers\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jason Beede of The Orlando Sentinel.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Orlando will also be without <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/c\/cartewe01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Wendell Carter Jr.<\/strong> <\/a>(finger) for the 16th straight game. Carter recently had his cast removed and has been ramping up his individual work, although it&#8217;s still unclear when he&#8217;ll take the floor. Meanwhile,<a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/i\/isaacjo01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong> Jonathan Isaac<\/strong><\/a> has been limited to just seven minutes over the last four games due to ankle issues and is listed as questionable for tonight.<\/p>\n<p>Minnesota Timberwolves wing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/e\/edwaran01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Anthony Edwards<\/strong><\/a> is still dealing with a hip pointer and is considered questionable for tonight&#8217;s contest against San Antonio.<\/p>\n<p>Golden State should have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/p\/paulch01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Chris Paul<\/strong><\/a> (leg) and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/w\/wiggian01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Andrew Wiggins<\/strong><\/a> (finger) tonight against Portland as both players are listed as probable.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Portland Trail Blazers could have their leading returning scorer back for the first time since their season opener as Anferenee Simons (thumb)is listed as questionable for tonight&#8217;s clash against the Golden State Warriors, per Sean Highkin of Rose Garden Report. Anfernee Simons has been upgraded to \u201cquestionable\u201d for tomorrow\u2019s game at Golden State, meaning [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3146,"featured_media":59498,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1608,30,20,2,62,3,28,23,24],"tags":[212,1559,2109,311,229,1419,1491,109,1628,321,406,926],"class_list":["post-59490","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-basketball","category-mavericks","category-nuggets","category-featured","category-nba","category-news","category-suns","category-trailblazers","category-jazz","tag-andrew-wiggins","tag-anfernee-simons","tag-anthony-edwards","tag-bradley-beal","tag-chris-paul","tag-deandre-ayton","tag-grant-williams","tag-jamal-murray","tag-jerami-grant","tag-jordan-clarkson","tag-kyrie-irving","tag-lauri-markkanen"],"modified_by":"Daniel Benjamin","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/59490","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3146"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=59490"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/59490\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/59498"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=59490"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=59490"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=59490"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}