Tokito: Blazers G Will Barton (Hamstring) Expected To Make Preseason Debut On Monday Vs. Kings

Portland Trail Blazers rookie guard Will Barton is expected to make his preseason debut against the Sacramento Kings after dealing with a right hamstring strain for much of training camp.

Blazers G Will Barton (Hamstring) Will Not Travel On First Preseason Road Trip

Portland Trail Blazers coach Terry Stotts told reporters after practice Tuesday that rookie guard Will Barton will not accompany the team on this week's preseason road trip because of a troublesome right hamstring that has kept him out for nearly a week now.

"Will did not practice, he won't make the trip," Stotts said. "He's going to stay here to get rehab on his hamstring."

The Blazers open their preseason against the Los Angeles Lakers in Ontario, CA., on Wednesday, before continuing on to face the Suns in Phoenix on Friday.

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Stotts: Blazers G Will Barton (Hamstring) Pulled Out Of Monday Practice, Status Uncertain

Portland Trail Blazers coach Terry Stotts says reserve guard Will Barton, a rookie out of Memphis, remains sidelined with a right hamstring injury suffered during the first week of training camp.

"He went the first half [of practice] but it was kind of still bothering him," Stotts said following Monday's training camp.

Asked if Barton would be available for Wednesday night's preseason opener against the Los Angeles Lakers, Stotts wouldn't commit either way, but didn't sound particularly optimistic.

"I don't know, we'll see [Tuesday]," Stotts said. "No timeline. He came in [Sunday] and got treatment. Tried to give it a go today. It was still irritating him. I haven't talked to the trainer yet. I don't know. I can't give you anything beyond that. I'm sure he'll get treatment. Whether he'll try to go tomorrow, I can't say."

Stotts was asked how deep he planned to go into his rotation on Wednesday. He may or may not have ruled out Barton in the process of answering the question, you decide.

"We've got 18 guys in camp," he said. "Will's hurt, so that's 17. I doubt all 17 will play [on Wednesday]."

The Blazers have not officially announced Barton's injury and Stotts wasn't even sure on Monday whether he wanted to call it a "strain," although he did confirm it was a right hamstring injury. One thing that was clear: Stotts wasn't going to attribute the injury, which occurred on the second day of workouts, to a lack of preparation by a young guard coming into his first training camp.

"I thought he was in good condition," Stotts said. "Will loves to play. In September, he was on the court, he was running up and down. He was in good shape. He's as frustrated as anybody."

If Barton can't go, the reserve two guard minutes will be filled by a committee of Nicolas Batum, Nolan Smith and Ronnie Price. Elliot Williams is not available after undergoing season-ending Achilles surgery.

Haynes: Blazers G Will Barton "Day-To-Day" With Hamstring Strain

Portland Trail Blazers guard Will Barton is "day-to-day" with a hamstring strain.