The Portland Trail Blazers continue to drop further down the Western Conference standings seemingly with each game. The team is 3-7 in its last 10 and is two games back of the final play-in spot as of March 14.
The Blazers have an opportunity to earn a win tonight and close that gap (or lose and increase their lottery odds) against the New York Knicks.
Portland has been ravaged by injuries over the last six weeks, though, with Damian Lillard and Jerami Grant the latest members of the walking wounded.
What’s their status against New York? Here’s the Blazers injury report for tonight against the Knicks.
Jerami Grant out, Damian Lillard still questionable for Blazers vs. Knicks
According to Aaron J. Fentress of OregonLive.com, Grant is out tonight and Lillard’s status remains a mystery. Trendon Watford will take Grant’s spot in the starting five.
Jerami Grant is out for tonight against the Knicks. Damian Lillard remains up in the air. Watford to start in place of Grant. - Per Billups.
— Aaron J. Fentress (@AaronJFentress) March 15, 2023
Jerami suffered a left hip contusion in Portland’s loss to New Orleans two nights ago, while Lillard sat out and saw the Blazers lose a game with postseason implications by 17 points.
On a positive note for Portland, Fentress adds that Jalen Brunson will be out for New York.
On the flip side, Jalen Brunson is out for the Knicks. https://t.co/HwSAYGcWfa
— Aaron J. Fentress (@AaronJFentress) March 15, 2023
Full injury report for Blazers vs. Knicks
Portland: Out – Grant (thigh), Justise Winslow (knee), Ibou Badji (knee). Game-time decision: Lillard (calf)
New York: Out – Brunson
Let the tanking continue (or so it appears).