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Paul George and CJ McCollum are key members of their respective teams, expected to drive the action when the Portland Trail Blazers and Oklahoma City Thunder meet on Sunday in the 2019 NBA Playoffs. Both stars have been dealing with nagging injuries: George shoulder issues and McCollum a knee strain. Nevertheless, each is taking pains to assure their fan base that they’ll be ready for Game 1 of the series.
From McCollum:
CJ McCollum says he’ll have no minutes restriction in Game 1.
— Casey Holdahl (@CHold) April 12, 2019
Update:
McCollum may have added a bit of sriracha to the sandwich.
He legit looked into a camera and said, "TERRY" after proclaiming no minutes restrictions. https://t.co/mGfewqEVKt
— Sean Michael Meagher (@sean2m) April 12, 2019
From George, via Royce Young of ESPN:
“It’s playoff time, so it’s more than this, it’s about being out there with my guys,” George said. “As much as I can get it a hundred as possible, or close to it, you can expect me out there Sunday.”
McCollum struggled moderately during the season series with the Thunder, but George was a driving force for the Thunder, averaging 38 points and 10 rebounds, carrying his team to four straight victories over Portland.