Blazers' Hood exits with left knee injury vs. Sixers

Portland Trail Blazers forward Rodney Hood exited Saturday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers with a left knee issue.

Hood doesn't believe there's anything structurally wrong with his knee, but did note some swelling postgame, according to The Athletic's Jason Quick.

"It's throbbing," Hood said, according to Quick.

With just under five minutes remaining in regulation, Hood fell to the floor after a hard screen set by Sixers star Ben Simmons. The 27-year-old remained on the ground for several moments before being helped off the court and into the locker room.

Portland re-signed Hood to a two-year, $16-million deal this offseason after a strong postseason campaign, particularly in the second round against the Denver Nuggets. He averaged 14.7 points on 57.6% shooting - including a 50% mark from distance - during the Trail Blazers' seven-game series win.

Hood entered Saturday's affair averaging 12.2 points and shooting 47.6% from downtown. The Duke product had 25 points on 9-of-11 shooting before departing the game.

Portland is already missing big men Zach Collins and Hassan Whiteside due to injury. Kent Bazemore will likely step into Hood's spot in the starting lineup should the latter miss an extended period of time.

The Trail Blazers eventually dropped a heartbreaking 129-128 decision to the Sixers.