If you ask Mike Conley, it sounds like his head is already in Game 1 of the Memphis Grizzlies' first-round series against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Mike Conley, "In my mind, I'm playin."
— Rob Fischer (@thefishnation) April 17, 2015
The point guard said Friday he intends to play Sunday night after sitting out the last four games of the regular season with a foot sprain that increasingly appeared to be serious. Prior to practice Friday, Grizzlies coach Dave Joerger said Conley's status would be dependent on how it went.
Word was slightly less definitive on teammate Tony Allen, who missed the final nine games of the season. "Probably so," said the veteran defensive specialist when asked if he will be in uniform for Game 1. "More than likely."
Allen went on to admit that it will be an adjustment to step it up physically after more than two weeks out of action. "I'm gonna try and test it," he said, via Rob Fischer of Fox Sports. "I've been amped up mentally. Physically I haven't."
The Grizzlies finished 55-27 and fifth in the West, but are essentially the No. 4 seed by virtue of holding home court over the Northwest-winning Blazers. Memphis was 5-4 down the stretch without Allen and 2-2 sans-Conley, but their defense appeared to remain its usual stubborn self.
