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Will Damian Lillard Play Tonight? Phoenix Suns vs Portland Trail Blazers: Injury Updates, Lineups, and Prediction

Published 02/22/2021, 1:00 PM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

The Portland Trail Blazers were snapped off their six-game winning streak as they suffered a shock loss at the hands of the Washington Wizards. With this loss, they have an overall record of 18 wins and 11 losses and have slipped to the 5th seed in the Western Conference.

Meanwhile, the Suns have continued their winning form with their latest victory against the Grizzlies. They have now eclipsed the Blazers to become the fourth seed of the Conference with a record of 19 wins and 10 losses.

The Blazers face off against the Suns tonight at 9:00 PM EST. Take a look at the probable lineups and the predictions ahead of the game.

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Phoenix Suns: Injury updates and expected lineups

The Suns have been in blistering form recently, winning eight of their last ten games. In their latest game against the Grizzlies, they put up a show and had a comfortable 128-97 victory.

Much of it has been due to the amazing form of their shooting guard, Devin Booker. In the last ten games, Booker has averaged 26.3 points, 5.0 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game. Other players like Chris Paul, DeAndre Ayton, and Mikal Bridges have also been consistent.

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USA Today via Reuters

The Suns just have a single injury concern ahead of their game against the Nets. Forward Jalen Smith is out for the Blazers’ game due to personal reasons. Other than Smith, the Suns have a fully healthy roster available, and they will hope to contain the explosive Damian Lillard in their next game.

Probable Lineup

Chris Paul (G)

Devin Booker (G)

Mikal Bridges (F)

Cameron Johnson (F)

DeAndre Ayton (F)

Trail Blazers: Injury updates and lineup prediction

After a six-game winning streak, the Blazers suffered their first loss in over a week as the Wizards defeated them 118-111. Despite the 35 point performance by Lillard, the Blazers’ lackluster supporting cast couldn’t match the offensive barrage of the Wizards.

USA Today via Reuters

The Blazers have multiple injury woes. CJ McCollum is out with a hairline fracture to his left foot, and Jusuf Nurkic is out with a right wrist fracture. Backup centers Zach Collins and Harry Giles will also miss the game against the Suns with an ankle and a calf injury, respectively.

Portland will hope that players like Robert Covington and Carmelo Anthony can step up their offensive output and support Lillard.

Probable Lineup

Damian Lillard (G)

Gary Trent Jr. (G)

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Derrick Jones Jr. (F)

Robert Covington (F)

Enes Kanter (C)

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Predictions

The Phoenix Suns have a fully healthy squad available for their next game and are in amazing form. The Blazers might be a challenging opponent, but given how balanced the Suns are, they have a slight edge in this fixture.

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Written by:

Aditya Mohapatra

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Aditya Mohapatra is a sports enthusiast who primarily covers the NBA for EssentiallySports. Having graduated in Mass Communication, he has prior experience in writing for ABP News, and has been writing for EssentiallySports since November 2020. This die-hard Los Angeles Lakers fan feels that LeBron James is the best thing to have ever happened to the NBA, and will hold a healthy debate with anyone suggesting otherwise.
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