Batum may start for Blazers against Thunder

TUALATIN, Ore. — Trail Blazers coach Nate McMillan said he is considering making changes to the team’s starting lineup for Tuesday’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Rose Garden.

The primary change may be moving forward Nicolas Batum into the first unit.

If Batum gets the starting nod at small forward, Martell Webster will likely be moved to shooting guard to fill in for injured All-Star Brandon Roy.

“I’m just looking at this team and what we need,” said McMillan, following a Monday morning workout at the team’s practice facility.

McMillan is contemplating making a move because he does not want the Blazers to slide into the NBA All-Star break. Portland has games against the Thunder and Phoenix remaining before a five-day vacation that centers around the break.

Batum later acknowledged he had recently spoken with McMillan about moving into the starting lineup, and could be matched up against Thunder forward Kevin Durant. Batum hinted that he did not start during Portland’s 99-82 home loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday because the Lakers’ Kobe Bryant did not play due to injury.

“I may start tomorrow against Durant,” Batum said. “I don’t know yet.”

He added: “I just want to do what Nate asks me to do.”

McMillan was then asked if the spark-filled change he was considering meant inserting Batum into the first unit.

McMillan smiled and replied: “I just think we need balanced scoring off the bench.”