Center Jusuf Nurkic will once again be absent from the Portland Trail Blazers lineup for Wednesday's Game 2 vs. the Golden State Warriors, according to Joe Freeman of the Oregonian.
The 7-foot bruiser was seen taking part in shootaround at the end of the regular season and early before Game 1, but announced today he won't be able to suit up for the team.
Nurkic: I feel better, but not ready for Game 2. #RipCity #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/UHIv1qkpJt
— CSN Northwest (@CSNNW) April 18, 2017
After putting up averages of 15 points, 10 rebounds, and two blocks per game since being acquired from the Denver Nuggets on Feb. 13, Nurkic has helped Rip City to a tune of a 14-6 record, sparking the Blazers to the last remaining playoff spot in the West.
The Bosnian Beast has been out since the end of March with a nondisplaced fracture in his right fibula, leaving a gaping hole at the center position for Portland.
The Blazers will need as much firepower from their backcourt of Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum, who combined for a scintillating 75 points in a Game 1 loss. Most importantly, they'll need a third scorer to step in for stretches and carry the offensive load.
The Warriors have three questionable players of their own in Kevin Durant, Shaun Livingston, and Matt Barnes — which could present an advantage of sorts for an undermanned Blazers team.
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