Kanter starts for Blazers in Game 1 vs. Nuggets

Enes Kanter started for the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal Monday against the Denver Nuggets.

The center had been limited in practice the last few days due to a separated left shoulder.

His availability helps Portland against a Nuggets squad with depth at center. Nikola Jokic and Mason Plumlee both figure prominently in Denver's rotations.

Kanter was thrust into a starter's role after Jusuf Nurkic's season-ending leg injury on March 25. Since then, including playoff games, he's averaged 15.6 points and 10.8 rebounds on 59 percent shooting.