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Trail Blazers: Hassan Whiteside will play against the Timberwolves

Carson Brown|
TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 07: Hassan Whiteside #21 of the Portland Trail Blazers speaks to an official during the second half of an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on January 07, 2020 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 07: Hassan Whiteside #21 of the Portland Trail Blazers speaks to an official during the second half of an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on January 07, 2020 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)

The Trail Blazers will be without Hassan Whiteside tonight as has been ruled in for tonight’s action against the Timberwolves due to a respiratory illness.

Thankfully for the Portland Trail Blazers, Whiteside will be playing tonight and Anthony Tolliver won’t have to start for Portland. The Blazers are already as limited any team in the league and not having Whiteside would’ve been brutal.

After Whiteside, the next tallest player on the team is only 6-foot-8, so his presence is crucial for Portland. Also, Karl-Anthony Towns is out tonight for the Wolves so Whiteside may have a field day in Minnesota.

The injuries continue to pile up for the Blazers as Skal Labissiere had an MRI done earlier this week on his left knee and the evaluation resulted in discovering a left knee articular cartilage lesion, meaning he will be sidelined for at least a month. So that’s another option no longer available for Portland.

Whiteside remains the only true big man on the roster for the time being and he’s going to have to continue to dominate on the glass. He’s been a monster recently when it comes to producing rebounds as he’s been averaging 16.8 for the month of January.

This is a huge game tonight for the Trail Blazers as they continue to find their footing in what has been a roller coaster of a season. The Blazers had an impressive comeback victory in their last game against the Raptors so let’s hope the momentum can swing Portland’s way.

Portland remains in the hunt to participate in the playoffs and it’s crucial that they beat the teams they’re supposed to. Minnesota is extremely shorthanded without the production that Towns brings to the table.  The Wolves are in the same position as the Trail Blazers. Both teams are dealing with injuries and both remain battling for a playoff spot.

Expect the Trail Blazers to come out ready to play as Damian Lillard understands the importance of this matchup and will lead with a passion. The Trail Blazers are looking for their second straight win which means something for a Blazer team that has been struggling. A win is a win for Portland and let’s get another one tonight.