Grizzlies' Conley, Allen, Green will play in Game 1 Sunday
It's been fully expected that Memphis Grizzlies guards Mike Conley and Tony Allen will play in Game 1 of their playoff series against the Portland Trail Blazers, but the most definitive word yet was given Sunday morning.
Grizzlies coach Dave Joerger said both will play Sunday night.
Conley missed the last four regular-season games with a foot sprain, while Allen sat out the final nine with a hamstring injury. The playoffs are always a different level of intensity, however, and Joerger admits he's concerned about rust on both players.
"I've been amped up mentally. Physically I haven't (been)," Allen told Rob Fischer of FOX Sports on Friday. The veteran lockdown defender has averaged 1.8 steals in 42 playoff career games with Memphis.
Teammate Zach Randolph said Sunday that point guard Conley's health appears to have improved.
Memphis small forward Jeff Green, who had been listed as questionable with a lower back strain, will also be available to start for the Grizzlies.
The Blazers-Grizzlies series is an intriguing one, and features notable injuries on both sides.