Grizzlies' Conley says he's playing at about 70 percent, but improving

Not that the Portland Trail Blazers could've seen a worse outcome than an 0-2 hole after two first-round games against the Memphis Grizzlies, but it should probably worry them that they've only been dealing with about two-thirds of Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley.

Conley is playing through a tricky foot sprain, which he sustained with a week left in the regular season.

"It's right on the inside of the arch," Conley said on Wednesday. 

"All I know is it's a tough spot to have one right now. It's a weight-bearing injury, so any weight you put on it will make it last longer. Normally, you'd be walking around in a medical boot, immobilized and not doing anything. But I know we don't have time for that."

Conley estimates that he's operating at about 70 percent, according to NBA.com's Scott Howard-Cooper. 

"At least I'm telling myself that," Conley said. 

It turns out Conley at 70 percent is still pretty damn good. He's averaged 17 points through the first two games of the series, shooting 54.5 percent from the field and 40 percent from distance and helping to lock down Blazers point guard Damian Lillard.

The injury has kept him on an unofficial minutes restriction - he played 24 and 29 minutes in Games 1 and 2, respectively - but Conley says he's improving, bit by bit. 

"I think each game has gotten a little bit better," he said.

"You know, I'm telling myself I’m felling better. I don't know if I'll play 30 minutes or 25 or 22. I just go out there and play as hard as I can for as long as I can."

The series swings back to Portland for Game 3 on Saturday night.