TUALATIN, Ore. — The Portland Trail Blazers Wednesday practice had plenty of laughs, but it also carried a sense of uncertainty.
Meyers Leonard accidentally hit one of the ceiling lights in the practice facility after practice wrapped up.
Amongst the loudest laughing was guard Wesley Matthews, who did not practice, and was in the middle of addressing the state of his knee after an awkward fall that caused the Moda Center to gasp in unison.
“It’s attached. It’s all right,” Matthews said.
As of Wednesday afternoon, Matthews is considered questionable for Thursday’s game against the Miami Heat.
Matthews played 30 minutes in Monday’s win against the Lakers but had an off night, going 1 of 9 from the field.
“They tested out the major ligaments and all that,” Matthews said. “The structure’s good and everything. Just going to be a matter of how much mobility I have. Right now it’s easier for it to go back into hyperextension. Wait it out, I guess.”
Head coach Terry Stotts said that a decision will be made Thursday on Matthews’ status.
Matthews said he did not undergo an MRI examination and he does not know how long he will continue to wear a brace on his left knee. He did light shooting and cutting, but did not participate in practice with the rest of the team.
When he illustrated what he will do as far as treatment the mix Matthews described was both logical and spiritual.
“I’m going to lift, strengthen my leg up,” he said. I’m going to get into the cold tub. Normatec (a device players use on their legs). I’m going to pray about it. I’m going to wake up. I’m going to get in the cold tub.”
The Blazers turned their eyes towards the Heat, who are a much different team from the one that made four straight NBA Finals appearances.
With LeBron James out of the picture, Dwyane Wade has become a more aggressive playmaker and will the primary perimeter concern for the Blazers stingy defense. Last season the Heat won in Portland without James behind a buzzer-beating 3-pointer from Chris Bosh.
“He’s still a competitive scorer and a winner,” Stotts said of Wade. “The ball is in his hands a lot. He can not only score but facilitate for other people. You know he and Bosh are very good players.”
The Heat also play an aggressive style of defense compared to many other teams. They are a top-five team when it comes to forcing turnovers on the defensive end but that hasn’t translated to an efficient overall defensive performance so far this season ranking 26th in points allowed per 100 possessions.
“They’re really active on the ball when they trap pick and rolls,” Lillard said. “Even when the bigs show, they’re active on the ball when I pick it up. They’re active when I’m cutting to the rim. We got to be ready for that.”
In some news off the practice court, ESPN.com’s Marc Stein reported that the Blazers are one of the team’s in trying to convince one-time Blazer and 18-year NBA veteran Jermaine O’Neal to play this season.
O’Neal has not played at all this season after playing for the Golden State Warriors last season. He posted on twitter and Instagram Monday that he was in Germany receiving treatment which he has for a few years.
O’Neal would bring size and experience to Portland’s bench. To sign him the Blazers would have to create an open roster spot which could come in the form of a trade, waiver or contract buyout.
The report also named the Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns and Warriors as suitors for O’Neal.
