NBA Preseason: Portland Trail Blazers vs Phoenix Suns Injury Report, Predicted Lineups, and Starting fives
On Wednesday, the Portland Trail Blazers will face the Phoenix Suns at the Footprint Center, where they are still looking for their first preseason win.
Just days before the regular season begins, new Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups will have a complete squad to work with as he seeks to create chemistry and figure out lineup combinations. The backcourt pair of Anfernee Simons and Dennis Smith Jr. carried the team’s fight in their recent loss to the Sacramento Kings.
This time, Billups will open with the highly regarded Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum duo in an attempt to give the Portland Trail Blazers their first preseason victory.
The Phoenix Suns have won their last two games against the Los Angeles Lakers, exhibiting the same teamwork and precision passing that propelled them to the NBA Finals. For the first time, this season, Suns coach Monty Williams may start All-Star Devin Booker. This is encouraging news for the club, which is looking to extend its winning streak to three games.
Injury Update for the Portland Trail Blazers
For the game against the Phoenix Suns, the complete Portland Trail Blazers roster is healthy. Cody Zeller has been taken off the injury list after being declared out for the rest of the preseason due to a broken nose. If he suits up, he might be wearing protective gear.
After recovering from a foot injury suffered during training camp, versatile winger Tony Snell is set to play in his first preseason game, according to the Blazers.
Injury Report for the Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns, like the Portland Trail Blazers, are all set to play in the desert. Devin Booker, who was anticipated to miss the entire preseason, has been taken off the injured list. Coach Monty Williams might only give him a few minutes to reclaim his legs.
Predicted Lineups for Portland Trail Blazers vs. Phoenix Suns
Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers will start Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, a deadly duo. Lillard will play point guard as usual, with McCollum assisting him at the two positions. Norman Powell, who had a hip injury in the preseason opener, might return to the small forward position, with Larry Nance moving to the power forward position. Jusuf Nurkic, the Blazers’ dependable and bruising center, will most likely start at center.
Phoenix Suns
On Wednesday, Monty Williams will finally get to see his favorite starting five on the court. Chris Paul, the Point God, will be in charge of the Phoenix Suns’ play-calling. Devin Booker will likely make a cameo appearance as a shooting guard.
Mikal Bridges will play the small forward position, while Jae Crowder, a versatile veteran and fan favorite, will play the power forward position. With another stint as the big man in the center, Deandre Ayton should continue his excellent preseason.
Predicted Starting Fives for Portland Trail Blazers vs. Phoenix Suns
Portland Trail Blazers
Point Guard – Damian Lillard | Shooting Guard – CJ McCollum | Small Forward – Norman Powell | Power Forward – Larry Nance Jr. | Center – Jusuf Nurkic
Phoenix Suns
Point Guard – Chris Paul | Shooting Guard – Devin Booker | Small Forward – Mikal Bridges | Power Forward – Jae Crowder | Center – Deandre Ayton