Portland Trail Blazers third-year point guard Scoot Henderson is set to make his season debut on Friday against the Memphis Grizzlies after recovering from a hamstring injury he sustained in September. 

Henderson's return couldn't come at a better time or the surprising Blazers, who are currently in 10th place in the Western Conference, hanging on to the final play-in tournament spot. Portland is 23-28, having lost six in a row after Tuesday's loss to the Phoenix Suns, 130-125. Getting Henderson on the court for the first time this season could provide a spark the Blazers need to stay in the hunt for a play-in spot in the west. 

In 66 games last season, Henderson averaged 12.7 points, 5.1 assists, 3 rebounds, and 1 steal per game. If Henderson can come back with the same explosiveness he’s had, it could help Portland continue to compete in the Western Conference. The Blazers won a total of 36 games last season and are only 13 wins away from matching that with 31 games remaining. During Henderson’s rookie year of 2023-24, the Blazers won only 21 games and they’ve already surpassed that total this year. 

Given how the past few seasons have gone and the Chauncey Billups alleged illegal gambling ring situation, any form of good news is welcomed in Portland. The Blazers missed out on the play-in tournament by three games last season, finishing 36-46. Portland hasn't made the NBA playoffs since former head coach Terry Stotts' final year of 2020-21. 

Henderson’s debut is set for Friday at 10:00 p.m. ET, when the Blazers and Grizzlies battle at Moda Center in Portland, Oregon.