Blazers' Nicolas Batum will play in Game 1 vs. Grizzlies; C.J. McCollum practicing
The Portland Trail Blazers will be looking a little more complete in their first playoff game against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Nicolas Batum, who bruised his knee in Monday night's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, told the media in Friday's practice that he will be playing in Game 1 on Sunday.
Batum left the game after injuring his right knee - the same knee he had injured earlier in the season - and an MRI confirms that he has a contusion. Batum was held out of the team's regular-season finale, but went through a full three-hour workout on Friday in preparation for the playoffs.
Batum averaged 9.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.8 assists in the regular season.
C.J. McCollum may also be gearing up to make an appearance in Game 1. McCollum suffered an ankle injury in Monday's game and missed the last game of the regular season as well.
However, he was seen by the media going through an extensive workout with assistant coach David Vanterpool and Damian Lillard, which may be an indication that he could see some action in Sunday's matchup.
McCollum finished the regular season averaging 6.8 points, 1.5 rebounds and one assist per game.