Trail Blazers' Festus Ezeli: Not close to return

Ezeli (knee) is without a timetable to return, the Portland Tribune's Kerry Eggers reports. "There's no timetable [for a return] when it comes to this stuff," Ezeli said. "It goes by feel. Some days I feel good. There are good days and bad days, but there's progress overall."

Analysis:

Ezeli underwent a procedure on his left knee in August and isn't considered close to returning to game action. The Blazers' offseason pickup was recently cleared to begin shooting drills, but still isn't ready to participate in 3-on-3 activity. With Ezeli on the shelf to begin the season, Ed Davis and Meyers Leonard are expected to see increased minutes at center behind starter Mason Plumlee.