Powell Status Upgraded To Questionable

Portland Trail Blazers wing Norman Powell could be back as soon as tomorrow against the Memphis Grizzlies with his injury status upgraded to questionable.

Powell left the court during the second quarter of Saturday’s win against the Phoenix Suns with what was later confirmed as left patellar tendinopathy, also known as jumper’s knee.

Patellar tendinopathy is typically caused by overuse of the tendon that connects the quadriceps muscle to the tibia. It is a common condition in basketball players as it is usually caused by jumping, hopping, and running. Physical therapy is the first-line treatment with the goal of stretching and strengthening the muscles around the knee.

While no timetable was initially given for his return, the starting small forward travelled with the team for the Blazers’ disappointing road loss to the Los Angeles Clippers yesterday.

Powell signed a five-year, $90 million contract to return to the Blazers this offseason after arriving in the Gary Trent Jr. trade at last season’s trade deadline.

Wing Tony Snell is still recovering from a right foot sprain and will have to wait at least one more game before he makes his Blazers debut.