Portland coach Micah Nori is backing struggling starter Scoot Henderson and urging him to simplify his game after Ja Morant’s hamstring injury pushed Henderson into the starting role. Morant’s injury may be less severe than initially feared, while Nori credits the Trail Blazers’ surprising start to team-first play and sacrifice.

By the Numbers
  • Portland is 3-1 in Henderson’s starts.
  • In those four games, Henderson has 4 assists, 11 turnovers and a 28.6% field-goal rate.
  • Against the Lakers, Henderson recorded 2 points, 0 assists and 5 turnovers in 23 minutes.
Yes, But

The team’s record has held up with Henderson starting, but his individual struggles have been pronounced. Nori says he believes in Henderson and wants him to focus on defense, rebounding, running the floor and making the simple play.

State of Play
  • Henderson is starting while Morant recovers from a left hamstring injury.
  • Morant’s Friday examination brought encouraging news, but Portland has not set a return timeline.
  • Nori says sharing the ball and accepting sacrifices in shots or minutes are central to the team’s approach.
What's Next

Portland will monitor Morant’s recovery without a firm timetable, while Nori works to help Henderson regain confidence and consistency in the starting role.

Bottom Line

The Blazers’ early success depends on more than the starting lineup: Nori is counting on Henderson’s growth, Morant’s eventual return and a deep roster willing to put winning ahead of individual roles.