Portland Trail Blazers center Hassan Whiteside is listed as questionable to play against the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday as he's suffering from an upper respiratory illness.
Hassan Whiteside (upper respiratory illness) and Mario Hezonja (low back contusion) are questionable for tomorrow night's game vs. the #Bucks. #RipCity @RipCityRadio620
— Jay Allen (@PDXjay) January 11, 2020
Whiteside has been phenomenal for the Blazers this season, averaging 15.8 points, 14.0 rebounds (fourth in the league) and 1.3 assists per game. He's also leading the league in blocks, registering an astonishing 2.9 blocks per contest.
The Blazers are seeking to get back in the win column as they face the league's top team on Saturday. If Whiteside doesn't play, it will be a big loss for Portland against a Bucks team that features strong players such as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez.
Whiteside's presence is crucial for the Blazers, as the next tallest player on the team is only 6-foot-8.
Portland's frontcourt has been suffering from injuries all season long. Zach Collins dislocated his shoulder in just the third game of the season and is expected to be sidelined until March. Meanwhile, Jusuf Nurkic is still recovering from a broken leg he suffered prior to last year's playoffs.
The Blazers are currently only one game behind the Memphis Grizzlies, who are the eighth seed. With the return of Collins and Nurkic later this season, they can most certainly make a run for the lower playoff seeds.
Hassan Whiteside is currently in the last year of his four-year,$98 million contract and is set to become a free agent this summer. After having a disappointing season last year with the Miami Heat, he has certainly shown that he can still put up solid numbers.
Follow Us
Subscribe