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Update: Kanter is playing.
Enes Kanter (left shoulder) is available to Game 1.
— Casey Holdahl (@CHold) April 30, 2019
According to NBC Sports Northwest’s Peter Socotch, the Trail Blazers have listed Enes Kanter as questionable on the injury report.
The #Blazers now officially list Kanter as questionable on their injury report. #ripcity https://t.co/8vgpkrN63Y
— Peter Socotch (@PSocotchNBCS) April 28, 2019
Along with the update from Socotch, Kanter spoke about his availability prior to Game 1 (via NBC Sports Northwest).
Enes Kanter says he remains questionable for Game 1: "We'll see what happens..." #ripcity pic.twitter.com/MZpZmQOKVq
— NBC Sports Northwest (@NBCSNorthwest) April 28, 2019
*Story updated at 15:59 PST (original story below)
Following the Nuggets victory over the Spurs, the Trail Blazers headed to Denver for the second round of the NBA Playoffs. Along with traveling, ailing center Enes Kanter shed some light on his shoulder injury. On Sunday, Kanter told Trail Blazers Beat Reporter Casey Holdahl that he is questionable for the opening game against the Nuggets.
Enes Kanter (shoulder) says he’s questionable for Game 1
— Casey Holdahl (@CHold) April 28, 2019
It is important to note that this update is coming from Kanter and not from the team itself. Official word on his availability is likely to be revealed on Monday.
Kanter suffered a separated shoulder in the final game between the Blazers and Thunder. Since the injury, the Turkish big man explained that he is in a great deal of pain. Regardless of the pain, Kanter insisted that he is willing to push through the discomfort.
With Jusuf Nurkic already sidelined, the Blazers will need their remaining post players to step up in a big way against Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets. Kanter averaged 13.2 points and 10.2 rebounds per game in five outings against Oklahoma City to start the postseason.