Blazers Dodge Major Bullet With Rodney Hood Injury Update

Rodney Hood has been one of the biggest surprises in the NBA playoffs this year. He has had a complete resurgence after being plainly a non-factor for the Cavaliers in the playoffs last year.

While the Portland Trail Blazers happily advanced to the Western Conference Finals after a hard-earned Game 7 win over the Nuggets Sunday, they had reason to worry, as Hood injured his knee in the third quarter and did not return. Luckily, it seems today that all is well.

Shams Charania of The Athletic has reported that Hood's MRIs came back clean and that he will be considered day-to-day.

MRI on Portland's Rodney Hood injured left knee returned clean and he will be day-to-day toward a return, league sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 13, 2019

The Blazers acquired Hood from the Cavaliers back in February. It's proved to be a surprisingly crucial move for the team, as Hood has been an X-factor in several playoff games.

He elevated his play in the Western Conference Semifinals matchup against the Nuggets, averaging 14.7 points while shooting 57.6% overall and 50% from three. In the grueling quadruple-overtime Game 3, Hood was a hero, coming on during the forth OT and scoring seven points to help clinch the win.

Let this Rodney Hood performance be a reminder to you that there are a ton of ballers in the NBA who have all the talent in the world and are tailor made for the bright lights, but due to their situation or perception...they are odd men out. He was always this good! pic.twitter.com/mfsoC4ZtGb
— Ball Don't Stop (@balldontstop) May 10, 2019

The Blazers are on a collision course with the Warriors with a spot in the NBA Finals on the line, and will need every ounce talent they have coming up big. While Kevin Durant is officially out for Game 1 and likely Game 2, the defending champs have proved that they are still one of the most dominant teams without him after their commanding Game 6 win over the Rockets Friday night.

While Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum are the big guns for this Blazers team, surviivng and advancing depends on key contributions from a host of role players. Hood is one of the important members of the second unit; having him at full strength only helps this offense as they seek to shock the super-powered Dubs.