Shootaround report: Felton back, Aldridge sore

So here’s something nobody expected to hear 24 hours ago: Raymond Felton is more likely to play tonight than LaMarcus Aldridge.

Aldridge is experiencing soreness in his right hip and is listed as probable tonight against the Hornets. The All-Star forward underwent a precautionary MRI that came back as negative.

Trail Blazers interim coach Kaleb Canales said that he is still likely to play LaMarcus, but that managing his star’s minutes has been a concern all season and might be even more so Thursday.

“We want to be be extra careful with LaMarcus,” Canales said.

If Aldridge does start tonight, he will be joined by Felton in the first unit. The point guard missed Tuesday’s game to tend to his mother — who underwent heart surgery — in South Carolina and did not practice Wednesday. Felton was expected to play against New Orleans, but Canales said that his return today was not a foregone conclusion.

Thursday, Canales said that Felton will start.

Speaking of Canales, he has been asked a couple of times since his promotion whether he is being recognized in the public. To Kaleb, however, the question is moot: He doesn’t go out.
Pressed on it Thursday, Canales said that, aside from games, practice, and a basketball camp, his public endeavors include nothing more than a post-game trip to Safeway and a stop at the gas station.

Matt Calkins can be contacted at 360-735-4528 or matt.calkins@columbian.com