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Tim Frazier Probable To Start In Adversarial Reunion With Trail Blazers

Frazier tallied 14 points and 9 assists in 27 minutes off the bench in his Pelicans debut.

Harry How/Getty Images

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.

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.

They may be close friends, but that doesn't mean Lillard plans to take it easy on Frazier. Quite the opposite, in fact.