4 years agoPortland Trail Blazers point/shooting guard Anfernee Simons and small/power forward Nassir Little have been ruled out for Thursday's contest against the Heat as they remain in the league's health and safety protocols. Simons and Little had both been playing key roles as reserves for Portland as of late, with their absence Tuesday forcing the squad to keep their rotation to a tight eight-player group. Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum stand to see an incremental minutes increase without Simons available, while Derrick Jones Jr., Rodney Hood and Gary Trent Jr. all stand to benefit from Little's absence. The next chance that Simons/Little have at returning comes Friday versus Orlando.--Jesse Borek
Source: Jamie Hudson