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Tonight, the Portland Trail Blazers will meet guard Tim Frazier for the first time in direct competition since waiving him last month. The New Orleans Pelicans signed Frazier to a 10-day contract on Tuesday, and he is listed as the probable starter at shooting guard after a strong debut against the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday.
Looks like Alvin Gentry will be making another lineup change on Friday vs. Trail Blazers, Tim Frazier listed as a probable starter at SG
— John Reid (@JohnReid64) March 18, 2016
The Pelicans’ shooting guard rotation is stretched particularly thin at the moment, with Eric Gordon (finger), Tyreke Evans (knee), and Bryce Dejean-Jones (wrist) all recovering from surgery. Although Frazier is undersized at a generously billed 6-1, the gambit could pay off if the Pelicans are able to ease the burden on Jrue Holiday with a second facilitator.
Perhaps of most interest to Blazer fans, though, this is the reunion of Frazier and Damian Lillard, who became very good friends over the course of Frazier’s time in Portland. Since Frazier’s departure, Lillard has paid tribute to him with a phantom handshake in his pre-game ritual. He gets the real deal again for one night only.
A subtle tribute to @psufraz23 from @Dame_Lillard
— Kris Koivisto (@KrisKoivisto) February 22, 2016
[Great find by @JMoPDX] pic.twitter.com/0JdEN6VB06
They may be close friends, but that doesn't mean Lillard plans to take it easy on Frazier. Quite the opposite, in fact.
Tim Frazier said friend Damian Lillard told him he better guard CJ McCollum tonight or his 10-day contract will turn into a 3-day.
— Justin Verrier (@JustinVerrier) March 18, 2016