Shootaround notes: Have the Blazers, Felton moved on?

TUALATIN, Ore. — Joel Przybilla said that his age, he is generally able to move on from losses more quickly than most. But he admitted Wednesday that Monday’s loss to Utah lingered with him longer than usual.

“That one stung a little the next day,” Przybilla said. “My wife even asked me about it because she could see that I was upset about it.”

The loss pushed the Blazers four games out of the eighth and final playoff spot with just 12 games to go and seemingly solidified their being left out of the postseason. Two late turnovers from Raymond Felton (although Nicolas Batum abetted the second one) allowed Utah to both take and extend the lead, perhaps leaving Portland even more frustrated.

Felton said Monday that he was “more upset” about the miscues than anybody else. He ran into the training room Wednesday before reporters had a chance to talk to him, but his teammates did speak on his behalf.

“He knows we all support him,” Przybilla said, confirming that Felton was visibly upset after the loss. “Never in my career has one certain play won or lost the game, you can point to a lot of possessions.”

Added J.J. Hickson: “The game wasn’t lost on that one possession. It was just a tough break.”

WALLACE RETURNS

Gerald Wallace will be back in the Rose Garden tonight for the first time since being traded from the Blazers to the Nets. After Wednesday’s shootaround, Portland interim coach Kaleb Canales praised the forward’s hustle, saying “he brought it every game…”One of my favorite parts was when he would dive on the floor, because that would get the whole team going.”

Canales said that he and Wallace grew close during Gerald’s short time with the Blazers, but that the two have not spoken since the trade.

“I anticipate speaking to him tonight,” Canales said.

CRAWFORD A GAME-TIME DECISION

Jamal Crawford’s status for tonight will not be revealed until shortly before the game. The shooting guard sat out Monday due to tendinitis in his right knee and was dubbed a “game-time decision” by Canales after shootaround.

Asked if he thought Crawford’s knee was improving, Canales elaborated, saying “he’s a game-time decision.”

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