09/02/2020, 8:02 AM

MRI confirms mild sprain

Lillard left the NBA bubble in Orlando last week to receive additional tests on his sprained knee, resulting in him sitting out the final game of the Trail Blazers' first-round series loss to the Lakers. Fortunately for the star point guard, he appears to have avoided any sort of long-term injury that would affect his availability for the 2020-21 campaign. After he averaged 33.0 points, 8.0 assists, 4.8 three-pointers, 3.8 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game over his 13 contests in the bubble, Lillard likely solidified his standing as a first-round pick in fantasy drafts.

08/29/2020, 10:55 PM

Won't need back surgery

The 28-year-old never missed a game while in the NBA bubble, despite the fact he's been dealing with an L3 vertebral transverse process fracture in his back for most of August. McCollum did all he could during Saturday's Game 5 against the Lakers with 36 points (13-25 FG, 3-7 3Pt, 7-8FT), seven assists, six boards and one steal in 46 minutes, but it wasn't enough to keep the Trail Blazers' season alive in the absence of Damien Lillard (knee). If all goes well in his recovery, McCollum should be fully cleared by the start of November.

08/29/2020, 10:29 PM

Turns in vintage performance

Anthony came out firing like a hungry rookie desperate to prove himself in game five, and the seasoned vet did his best to fill in with his team missing superstar Damian Lillard (knee) in the decisive game five. While his effort, which included a series high in points, helped keep the game close late in the fourth quarter, ultimately the Trail Blazers ran out of steam and the Lakers pulled away. The loss ends Portland's season.