Portland will be without forward Zach Collins for the rest of the season. Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports

Blazers' Zach Collins to undergo season-ending ankle surgery

The Portland Trail Blazers will be without forward Zach Collins for more than just a few games versus the Los Angeles Lakers. 

Portland confirmed Friday afternoon that the 22-year-old will undergo season-ending surgery to repair a hairline medial malleolus stress fracture of his left ankle. The Trail Blazers didn't reveal the date of the operation. 

Collins went down in the first quarter of Portland's play-in game versus the Memphis Grizzlies last Saturday with what the club initially described as left ankle inflammation. He didn't feature against the Lakers in the first two contests of the postseason series. 

It's a brutal end to what was a rough campaign for Collins, as he missed the majority of the regular season due to a shoulder injury he suffered in late October that kept him sidelined until the NBA returned to action in July amid the coronavirus pandemic. 

Collins averaged 7.0 points and 6.3 rebounds in 11 games. 

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Pacers coach claims officials are biased against 'small market' teams
Hall of Famer makes bold prediction about Russell Wilson, Steelers
49ers Hall of Fame CB Jimmy Johnson dies
Rams make surprising move with former team captain
NBA announces discipline for Bucks' Patrick Beverley
Hall of Fame RB defends Najee Harris after Steelers decline fifth-year option
Pacers file shocking number of questionable calls after Game 2 loss vs. Knicks
Former NBA star says Anthony Edwards becomes face of the NBA if Wolves knock off Nuggets
Hornets hire top Celtics assistant as next head coach
Maple Leafs fire HC Sheldon Keefe after another early playoff exit
Super Bowl champion discusses why Russell Wilson failed with Broncos
Colts LB Zaire Franklin calls out Texans, C.J. Stroud
Angels to acquire longtime Mets infielder from Braves
Giants sign former Pro Bowl wide receiver
Report reveals why the NBA did not suspend Jamal Murray
Pressure mounts on Nuggets as Nikola Jokic wins third MVP Award
Jalen Brunson shakes off injury to lift Knicks to Game 2 win
Panthers dominate Bruins to even series
LSU HC pins transfer portal struggles on reluctance to 'buy players'
Pirates announce date for 2023 No. 1 overall pick's MLB debut