Trail Blazers To Be Without Key Rotation Player For Weeks

It's now officially been diagnosed as a grade 2 ankle sprain, and key Portland Trail Blazers forward Justise Winslow will miss at least two more weeks before he's re-assessed. 

Blazers announce, Justise Winslow has suffered a grade 2 ankle sprain following further testing.

Winslow will be re-evaluated in two weeks.

— Jamie Hudson (@JamieHudson_) December 27, 2022

Winslow has been out since last Wednesday when he suffered the injury, and he'll be re-evaluated in two weeks, covering at least another five games to add to the two he's already missed. 

“It could’ve been a lot worse after looking at the injury.” - Billups on Justise Winslow’s ankle injury that will have him out a few weeks at least

— Danny Marang (@DannyMarang) December 27, 2022

Head coach Chauncey Billups takes the diagnosis as a positive, however. “It sucks to lose him for any amount of time but it could have been a lot worse. Looking at the injury, we all feel a little bit relieved ... We’re definitely going to miss him.”

The 26-year-old seven-year veteran had mostly fallen out of favor with the Los Angeles Clippers last season before rejuvenating his career after his move to Portland in February. His minutes and production immediately took an upturn. 

Winslow has started 11 of 29 games this season, bringing solid switchable defense, while averaging 27 minutes per game, 6.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.4 assists. 

The Blazers could get some depth back in the lineup with the impending season debut of offseason acquisition Gary Payton II set to happen in the coming days. 

Photo: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports