The Portland Trail Blazers have officially concluded their experiment to start Scoot Henderson, moving the young guard back to the bench in favor of Sidy Cissoko for Tuesday’s matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Moda Center. This roster adjustment comes despite the continued absence of star point guard Ja Morant, who remains sidelined with a hamstring injury. NBA insider Chris Haynes confirmed the lineup change, noting that the decision was made to stabilize the backcourt after a recent dip in performance.
Portland ends starter experiment after poor offensive stretch against Thunder
Henderson’s return to the reserve role is driven by significant statistical struggles over his last five starts. During this stretch, the former No. 3 overall pick averaged just 9.2 points per game while shooting an inefficient 31.6 percent from the field. His perimeter shooting was particularly concerning, as he connected on only 21.1 percent of his three-point attempts on 3.8 tries per game. These numbers contributed to a 97.4 offensive rating, a metric that fell well below the team’s average and highlighted the offensive stagnation during his time in the starting lineup.
By inserting Cissoko into the starting lineup, the Blazers aim to inject energy and defensive intensity into the frontcourt while allowing Henderson to regain his rhythm off the bench. This tactical shift signals a pragmatic approach by the coaching staff, prioritizing immediate on-court results over long-term development in a high-pressure game against the Thunder. With Morant’s return still uncertain, Portland must find a reliable secondary option to support their offense, and Cissoko’s familiarity with the reserve role may provide the necessary spark to turn the tide in their upcoming schedule.
Source: Yahoo Sports
