Trail Blazers F Nic Batum (shoulder) and G Jerryd Bayless (ankle) are both probable for tonight's game vs. New Orleans.
Thanks for the update. Hope we get to see both play tonight! Who is expected to start at SG and SF if both do play?
Wonder if they are trying to cut back on Juwan's minutes cause they don't want to wear him out. That would be 2 straight games coming off the bench for him.
I think it has more to do with the backups than Juwan. I suspect Nate doesn't want to have both Cunningham and Pendergraph in at the same time, this way he makes sure there's always a vet in with one of them.
West (ankle) is questionable for Monday's game against Portland, the Oregonian reports. Yahoo is reporting the above. Which is better? Questionable or probable?
Probable is better if you want them to play because it means they probably will give it a go whereas Questionable they aren't quite sure. West will probably test it out during warm-ups much like Bayless tried against Detroit.
I am so happy Nate found another reason to start Blake. I was getting worried about him for a bit there. If both Bayless and Batum can play, Blake has no business starting
They always need either Miller and Bayless in the game when Roy is out. Someone has to attack the basket. Seems like starting Blake helps ensure that. Play Bayless with Rudy more.
And Rudy. If Rudy has his legs under him and Bayless is hobbled, why wouldn't Rudy start? Once Nico gets his legs back, Martell could play some SG. Lots of options.
I'd agree if I thought Rudy had his legs under him... that hasn't been my opinion so far Who would you rather guard Chris Paul... Blake Miller or a rusty Rudy? This might be the last game in a while I support the idea of Blake starting STOMP
Can I pick a hobbled Bayless? I agree, Rudy doesn't look up to snuff yet. He didn't look too promising after taking all those shots to his back against the Pistons either. I have a feeling Nico will be back to normal sooner than Rudy, but his skill set is also different and he doesn't have a bad back. I'd be interested in seeing a Miller/Martell/Nico lineup. But it's not my money they are playing with.
Blake is better guarding bigger guards. Bayless is probably the only guy on the team with the quickness to come close to handling CP3. Maybe if Batum is in top shape he could take a shift on Paul for a few minutes. All they are really going to do is try and make the game a bit harder for Paul. No one player is stoping that dude. It will have to be a team effort.
Both Bayless and Batum are coming back from injury. Blake is coming off a double double. I don't have a problem with this. Bayless should play himself back into the starting role today.
