Henderson makes season debut for Portland after hamstring injury

Scoot Henderson returns to the court for the Trail Blazers after missing the start of the season.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 10:15pm

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Scoot Henderson, the Portland Trail Blazers' third-year guard, made his season debut on Friday night after recovering from a torn left hamstring injury he suffered during an offseason workout in September. Henderson was expected to miss 4-6 weeks but didn't start non-contact basketball activities until December, finally returning to full practice two weeks ago. He entered the game against the Memphis Grizzlies in the first quarter to cheers from the home crowd, though his minutes were limited as the team eases him back.

Why it matters

Henderson was expected to take on a greater role with the Trail Blazers this season following the departure of Anfernee Simons, who was traded to the Boston Celtics. The Blazers have struggled, losing six straight games heading into Friday's matchup, and could use the boost that a healthy Henderson can provide as they look to turn things around in the second half of the season.

The details

Henderson, in his third NBA season, hadn't played in a game since March 27, 2025. He averaged 13.3 points, 5.2 assists and 3.1 rebounds over his first two seasons. The Blazers have been short-handed at guard, with Jrue Holiday recently returning from a calf injury and Blake Wesley also recently coming back from a foot fracture.

  • Henderson was injured during an offseason workout in September 2025.
  • He was originally expected to miss 4-6 weeks, but didn't start non-contact basketball activities until December 2025.
  • Henderson began full practice two weeks ago.
  • He made his season debut on Friday, February 7, 2026.

The players

Scoot Henderson

A third-year guard for the Portland Trail Blazers who is making his season debut after recovering from a torn left hamstring.

Tiago Splitter

The head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers.

Anfernee Simons

A former Portland Trail Blazers guard who was traded to the Boston Celtics in July 2025.

Jrue Holiday

A Portland Trail Blazers guard who recently returned from a calf injury.

Blake Wesley

A Portland Trail Blazers guard who recently returned after fracturing a bone in his right foot.

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What they’re saying

“He was a big part of the vision that we had during the summer, and no we kind of get him super late in the season. He's going to have a couple of games her to be his preseason.”

— Tiago Splitter, Head Coach, Portland Trail Blazers

“I'm just trying to get back out there so we can get some more wins going into the second half of the season.”

— Scoot Henderson

“I try not to think about that too much, but that is something that's going to be a challenge, I think. But I'm the player that kind of just can be thrown in any type of the fire and understand the role, and understand what I bring to the table, and have confidence in that role. So my teammates believe in me and coming back, and that's all I can ask for.”

— Scoot Henderson

What’s next

The Trail Blazers will continue to monitor Henderson's minutes and integration with the team as he works to regain his form after the lengthy injury layoff.

The takeaway

Henderson's return is a much-needed boost for the struggling Trail Blazers, who are hoping the talented young guard can provide a spark and help the team turn things around in the second half of the season.