Trail Blazers guard Chris Youngblood was upgraded from out to day-to-day on Thursday's injury report with a left ankle issue. He missed Wednesday's opener against Phoenix, and the report lists an expected return of Oct. 23, the day Portland plays at the Kings.
What happened
Chris Youngblood was upgraded to day-to-day on the injury report at 1:14 a.m. ET on Thursday, Oct. 22. He had been listed as out since Tuesday, Oct. 20, with a left ankle issue. The report's comment says he was out for Wednesday's regular-season opener against Phoenix due to left ankle soreness. The report lists an expected return of Oct. 23. The ankle is the 24-year-old guard's second issue this month. He was day-to-day with a calf issue on Oct. 12, and again on Oct. 13, when it was listed as his left calf.
What it means for the Trail Blazers
Portland plays at the Kings on Friday, Oct. 23, at 10 p.m. ET. The Trail Blazers are 1-0 after winning the opener without him. Youngblood played a small role last season: 34 games, 5.4 minutes, 2.1 points, 0.8 rebounds and 0.4 assists. Without him, the guard minutes went to Damian Lillard (23.9 minutes, 25 points), Ja Morant (22.6 minutes, 14 points), Jrue Holiday (20.6 minutes, 8 points) and Scoot Henderson (19.3 minutes, 15 points). Sidy Cissoko led the team with 25.1 minutes. Portland is 1-0 without Youngblood and has not played with him yet this season. Shaedon Sharpe (right knee) and Branden Carlson (concussion) are also out.
What to watch
The next injury report before Friday's game will show whether Youngblood moves off day-to-day. The report's expected return of Oct. 23 is the same day as the game at the Kings, but no decision on whether he plays has been announced. Also watch his health over the next few weeks. Two weeks ago it was a calf issue, and this week it moved to the left ankle.
Is Chris Youngblood playing at the Kings on Friday?
He is day-to-day with left ankle soreness. The injury report lists an expected return of Oct. 23, which is game day, but no final decision has been announced.
When will Chris Youngblood be back?
The injury report lists an expected return of Oct. 23. He missed Wednesday's opener against Phoenix and was upgraded from out to day-to-day on Thursday.