Injuries play a big role in Trail Blazers, Grizzlies series
By Ryan Allison
As the Portland Trail Blazers and Memphis Grizzlies are set to tip their first round playoff matchup tonight, the teams might not look exactly as they hoped. Injuries are part of the game but both of these teams have been affected by them. The Trail Blazers will be hurt the most by their absent players but they can’t make any excuses.
The fifth-seeded Grizzlies will have home court advantage because they finished with a better record than the fourth-seeded Trail Blazers. If you would have looked at the rosters at the beginning of the season, these two teams would matchup reasonably well against each other. When you factor in the numerous injuries, the scale seems to tip in the favor of the Grizzlies.
Playing without Wesley Matthews is nothing new for the Trail Blazers. Matthews was lost for the season on March 5th when he tore his Achilles. The Trail Blazers played 22 games without Matthews to end the season and did not fare all that well without him. Before losing Matthews, the Trail Blazers were 41-19. After his injury, the Trail Blazers were only 10-12.
As strange as it may seem, the Trail Blazers actually increased their offensive rating without Matthews in the lineup from 104.5 to 108.4 going from 10th in the league to tied for 6th. The main problem with losing Matthews came on the defensive end as the Trail Blazers defensive rating fell from 99.3 to 107.0. That took them from the 3rd best defensive team to 24th. Ouch. Success in the playoff comes when you tighten the defensive screws and the Trail Blazers will need to find a solution.
Other injuries will affect the Trail Blazers ability to compete with the Grizzlies as well. On April 1st, Dorell Wright was lost for 4-6 weeks with a fractured hand. His absence won’t necessarily have a huge impact but he definitely filled in well for Matthews. He is a three-point threat which allows the Trail Blazers to stretch out the opposing defense.
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Arron Afflalo, one of the newest Trail Blazers, is listed as doubtful for Game 1 as he continues to rehab a shoulder strain. Afflalo is getting close to returning to the lineup but will likely not see the floor tonight. Nicolas Batum has been dealing with a knee injury but is listed as probable for Game 1. He also dealt with a lingering finger injury for most of the season. The Trail Blazers cannot afford to miss is length and defensive ability against the Grizzlies.
Rounding out the injury list for the Trail Blazers are C.J. McCollum, Chris Kaman, and Alonzo Gee. Gee’s foot injury seems to be nothing serious but he is listed as questionable for Game 1. McCollum’s rapid ascension has been a pleasant surprise for the Trail Blazers but he is dealing with a sprained ankle. His status is probable for tonight and he will be very important in this series. Kaman has been affected by a back injury for awhile but he is also listed as probable tonight.
Even though the list of injuries is not long for the Grizzlies, they faltered heading into the playoffs. Mike Conley sprained his foot on April 8th and has been sidelined ever since. He is now nearly fully recovered and he will play tonight. Conley mentioned that his foot is sore every morning but it feels better after he moves around. He won’t be at full strength so expect Beno Udrih to stay ready to take over the point guard position should Conley struggle.
The final injury in this series could be a very important one for the Grizzlies. Tony Allen has been sidelined since March 29th with a hamstring injury. His defense is a key aspect of the Grizzlies game plan. Allen is not 100 percent but said he can tolerate the little pain he is having. The Grizzlies allowed the second fewest points in the NBA this season at 95.1 points. They need Allen to continue their strong defensive efforts.
With all of these injuries, both teams will be relying on their supporting cast. Whichever team can put the pain aside and grind it out will finish Game 1 with a victory.