Roy still struggling with strained hamstring
TUALATIN, Ore. — The hamstring saga continues.
Portland Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy said Monday his strained right hamstring is still giving him trouble, following an evening practice at the team’s workout facility.
Roy ran through a full session with the Blazers, and coach Nate McMillan stated that he was impressed with Roy’s performance.
But while Roy said it felt good to get back out on the court, he acknowledged that he is still feeling tightness due to an injured hamstring that has forced him to miss 12 consecutive games and 14 of Portland’s last 15 contests.
Roy is listed as questionable for tonight’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers at the Rose Garden. He said the only way he will play, though, is if he wakes up in the morning and feels great.
Thus, Roy estimated that a more likely return is Friday versus Boston.
“I’m still keeping it open,” Roy said. “I felt OK today. But I don’t feel like I was totally back to where I’m good at.”
The three-time All-Star leads Portland in average points (23.1) and minutes (38.3), while ranking second in assists (5.0).
Roy said he does not want to put a timeframe on his activation. But he added that he would like to rejoin the team as soon as possible, and may have to soon consider playing with pain.
The Blazers have 27 games remaining this season following last week’s All-Star break. For Roy, a push for a Western Conference playoff spot holds the most weight in his decision.
“What I’m trying to judge now is what I can tolerate,” Roy said. “Because I just don’t see this — it’s not going away to where I feel 100 percent.”
McMillan said Roy “looked fine” during practice. But Portland’s coach was just as hesitant to put a return date on the Blazers’ star player.
“We have to listen to him,” McMillan said. “He knows his body.”
While Roy is being cautious, Portland forward Travis Outlaw is moving forward.
Outlaw practiced with the team for the first time since fracturing his left foot Nov. 14 against Charlotte. The injury has forced Outlaw to miss Portland’s last 44 games.
A date for Outlaw’s return has not been announced. But he could play Sunday versus Utah if his progress continues.
“He ran well, was doing OK,” McMillan said. “This was the start of getting him into some live contact.”
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Today’s Game
Clippers vs. Blazers, 7 p.m. at Rose Garden
TV: Comcast SportsNet Northwest (37)
Radio: 95.5 FM
Probable Starters
Blazers (31-24)
Position/player Ht. Pts.
G Andre Miller 6-2 13.5
G Martell Webster 6-7 10.8
F Nicolas Batum 6-8 8.9
F LaMarcus Aldridge 6-11 17.2
C Juwan Howard 6-9 5.9
Coach: Nate McMillan (5th season, 179-204)
Clippers (21-31)
G Baron Davis 6-3 15.8
G Eric Gordon 6-3 17.0
F Rasual Butler 6-7 11.0
F Marcus Camby 6-11 7.7
C Chris Kaman 7-0 20.0
Coach: Kim Hughes (1st season, 0-3)
