Lowe is absent + Klingen is not playing! The Trail Blazers correct Yang Hansen and may usher in the first start of his career

The 2025-26 NBA regular season continues, and news about the dark horse Portland Trail Blazers being plagued by injuries continues to heat up. Although the Trail Blazers hid Yang Hansen in the last game, the Chinese interior star was not sent to the NBA Development League. Because, although the Trail Blazers defeated the Golden State Warriors to end their losing streak, the team's injury problem is very serious. Among them, Lillard has been confirmed to be out for the season due to Achilles tendon injury. In addition, Sharp has missed part of the game due to a calf injury. Wesley, Holiday, Henderson, Thybulle and other main players have varying degrees of injury problems. Grant also played in the last game with an illness.

As we all know, the small lineup that the Trail Blazers are obsessed with this season is not only unable to maintain the record of new coach Split, but also has extensive injury problems. Therefore, many fans predict that the Trail Blazers will reuse the inside line in subsequent games to replace the small lineup that was severely affected by injuries. However, before the Portland Trail Blazers will go away to challenge the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, which is currently at the top of the league, the injury report shows that the two big insiders Klingen and Lowe are doubtful. Facing the championship favorites led by Alexander and Holmgren, the Trail Blazers, who are already in the rebuilding period, will most likely be beaten by a big score. Therefore, both Klingen and Lowe may not play in this game, and Split can choose to strategically give up the victory.

According to the latest injury list officially released by the Trail Blazers, Sharp, the team's outside core, is not suitable to play against the Thunder due to a calf strain. Sharp's absence made the Blazers' already weak wing offense worse, and Grant's offensive and defensive pressure increased significantly. In terms of the inside line, Klingen is doubtful for the game due to ankle discomfort. Split must protect this inside line who is in good condition. Klingen had just scored 22 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists in the previous game. He is one of the cornerstones of the Trail Blazers' future team building. Another important inside rotation, Lowe, is not suitable for long-term high-load games after returning this season, so it is expected to take an injury management rotation.

Therefore, all the pressure inside the Trail Blazers is placed on Chinese rising star Yang Hansen. After returning from a brief experience in the NBA Development League, Yang Hansen also scored 9 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal in the game. However, in the last game, the Portland Trail Blazers once again hid Yang Hansen when they beat the Golden State Warriors, and the latter did not get playing time. With Klingen, Lowe and others becoming doubtful, the Blazers have only a handful of available insiders. Obviously, in the next game, Trail Blazers coach Split is very likely to significantly increase Yang Hansen's playing opportunities, and even give him a chance to start. For this Chinese insider, who was selected with the 16th overall pick in the first round, he has yet to make his first NBA career start.

To sum up, the Trail Blazers are currently suffering from serious injuries. If Klingen and Lowe are unable to play, then Chinese interior star Yang Hansen may have the best opportunity to clear his name after joining the NBA.