Conley, Allen intend to play Game 1 vs. Blazers
The Memphis Grizzlies played the regular-season stretch run without a pair of key contributors. As they embark on their fifth consecutive playoff run, they finally appear ready to play at full strength.
Point guard Mike Conley, who sat out the final four games with a right foot sprain, and guard Tony Allen, who missed the last nine with a right hamstring issue, told reporters after Friday’s practice that they plan to return for Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday.
“I’m progressing each day. That’s all I can ask for right now,” Conley said, according to the Memphis Commercial Appeal. “I’ll go through as much as I can [at practice]. They don’t want me doing too much. The best thing for me is to stay off my feet. … But in my mind, I’m playing [Game 1]. I’m trying to force my mind over my body.”
Conley averaged 15.8 points and 5.4 assists while missing 12 games this season.
Allen missed 19 games but is confident he has rested and healed enough to play Sunday.
“It’s cool,” Allen said about his hamstring. “I’ve been doing a lot of [treatment]. We’ve been working. I feel good today.”
Memphis forward Jeff Green (back) also is questionable for Game 1, the team said.
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