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Wednesday, March 26, 2008
By BRIAN HENDRICKSON Columbian Staff Writer

Brandon Roy on Wednesday said he believes it could take at least a week or even two for his strained right groin muscle to heal, but the Portland Trail Blazers guard still hopes to play again this season.

Roy injured his groin on the final play of first quarter in Tuesday's win over the Washington Wizards. Roy attempted to block Caron Butler's 3-point attempt as the period ended but landed awkwardly and had Butler — who was attempting to draw a foul —land on top of him. Roy attempted to return to the game, but lasted less than two minutes before leaving while grimacing in pain.

Blazers coach Nate McMillan said Roy will not play in Thursday's game against Golden State, but would not speculate on his availability beyond that. Roy, however, is already ruling out the possibility of playing on Saturday against Charlotte.

"I think I'm at least a full week, maybe two weeks away from playing, just from the way it's playing now," Roy said. "It's really stiff. But, I think I owe it to my team and the fans to try to get to .500 (record)."

McMillan said he has not decided how he will replace Roy in the starting lineup against Golden State. Jarrett Jack, who had 17 points, six assists and five rebounds off the bench in Roy's absence Tuesday night, is one possibility, but McMillan said he is also considering starting Martell Webster at shooting guard with Travis Outlaw shifting to small forward.

But one other injury may affect that decision. LaMarcus Aldridge, who missed Tuesday's game because of a sprained right ankle suffered in Monday's loss to Seattle, is listed as a game-time decision for Thursday, and McMillan did not indicate the likelihood of Aldridge returning against the Warriors.

McMillan said Aldridge did not participate in Wednesday's practice, but limited his activity to receiving treatment for his injury and running in a therapy pool.