Will Damian Lillard Play Tonight? New York Knicks vs Portland Trail Blazers: Injury Updates, Lineups, and Prediction

The Portland Trail Blazers suffered their sixth regular season loss as they were defeated by the San Antonio Spurs 125-104. The Blazers have been devoid of key starters who are set to miss at least a month of action. Can Damian Lillard carry the injury riddled Blazers?

The Knicks, meanwhile, suffered from their ninth loss of the season as the Kings defeated them 103-94. The Knicks have shown flashes of being a playoff team with victories against teams like the Warriors and the Celtics. Can they defeat another playoff contender in Blazers?

The Blazers face off against the Knicks tonight at 10 PM EST. Take a look at the injury updates and predictions for the same.

Trail Blazers injury updates and lineup prediction

The Portland Trail Blazers find themselves as the fourth seed in a stacked Western Conference. This is due to the amazing form of their backcourt of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum who have destroyed other team’s defenses.

The Blazers, however, were dealt by a big blow when McCollum suffered from a hairline fracture to his left foot. He is now set to miss at least 16 games.

Apart from McCollum, the Blazers will also miss center Jusuf Nurkic against the Knicks. Nurkic suffered from a right wrist fracture against the Pacers and is set to miss a minimum of 23 games. Backup center Zach Collins and guard CJ Elleby will also miss the game against the Knicks with an ankle and a foot injury, respectively.

The Blazers will hope that their veteran stars like Carmelo Anthony and Rodney Hood fill the scoring void left by McCollum.

Probable Lineup

Damian Lillard (G)

Rodney Hood (G)

Derrick Jones Jr. (F)

Robert Covington (F)

Enes Kanter (C)

New York Knicks injury updates and lineup prediction

The New York Knicks are arguably the biggest surprise package in this season’s regular season. Despite them not making any big moves, the Knicks find themselves at the eight spot of the Eastern Conference.

Much of it has been due to their new coach, Tom Thibodeau. Coach Tibbs has unleashed players like Julius Randle and rookie RJ Barrett. Both the players are having career seasons and have led this Knicks team to eight victories.

The Knicks have some minor injury concerns going into their next game. Veteran shooter Austin Rivers and guard Reggie Bullock are listed as questionable against the Blazers as they recover from an Achilles and a neck injury, respectively. Guard Frank Ntilikina is also questionable as he recovers from a knee injury.

The Knicks suffered their first loss in the last four games. They will be determined to get back to winning ways against an injury-ridden Blazers side.

Probable Lineup

RJ Barrett (G)

Elfrid Payton (G)

Julius Randle (F)

Reggie Bullock (F)

Mitchell Robinson (C)

Predictions

The Blazers would have been favorites if all their stars were fit, but given the injuries to starters like CJ McCollum and Jusuf Nurkic, the Knicks have the edge in this matchup. The Knicks might end up with a close win against the Blazers.