Roy expected to play in Game 4 against Suns

Portland Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy is expected to play today against the Phoenix Suns at the Rose Garden in Portland.

Roy was a late addition to the Blazers’ active roster before the start of Game 4 of a first-round Western Conference playoff series.

Roy went hard and looked good during a shootaround prior to the contest.

Blazers coach Nate McMillan then said he was encouraged by Roy’s outing, as well as the three-time All-Star’s overall rehabilitation from right knee surgery he underwent April 16 to repair a torn meniscus.

Roy was originally ruled out of the series versus Phoenix. But the timetable for his return was moved up to 1-2 weeks following the surgery.

Roy said the day before his surgery he planned to take the court in the playoffs if at all possible.

“He’s working,” said McMillan, prior to Saturday’s game against the Suns. “He’s getting some work in and moving around.”

McMillan said Roy’s health would be the sole determining factor in his return.

“If he can go and we’re comfortable with what we see, and the doctors OK it, all of that has to be cleared,” McMillan said.