Portland Trail Blazers' Anfernee Simons Out for 4-6 Weeks Due to Thumb Injury

Simons' severe UCL tear in his thumb requires surgery, debilitating Portland Trail Blazers' offensive lineup; Shaedon Sharpe to step up as the main player in his absence.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons suffered a severe ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tear in his right thumb and will require surgery, sidelining him for four to six weeks.
Simons was injured in the Trail Blazers' season opener against the Los Angeles Clippers; he scored 18 points despite the injury.
In the previous season, Simons averaged 21.1 points per game, indicating his crucial role in Portland's offence, especially after Damian Lillard's departure to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Coach Chauncey Billups has confirmed that Shaedon Sharpe, a promising second-year wing, will start in Simons' absence and that the team will 'keep moving.'
The injury to Simons compounds difficulties for the Trail Blazers who are already considered contenders for finishing with the NBA’s worst record this season.