Willie Green described Jonas Valanciunas' health status during New Orleans’ four-game West Coast road trip as “banged up,” which led to the starting center sitting out Tuesday’s win at Sacramento due to right ankle soreness. The good news is Valanciunas will be back in the lineup Thursday vs. Portland, saying after this morning’s shootaround, “I will play tonight.”
Asked about his ankle, he responded, “It feels good. As good as it can be.”
Meanwhile, Brandon Ingram (right hamstring tightness) was listed this morning as doubtful with right hamstring tightness. Ingram has played in five consecutive games, but was sidelined for the previous 10 contests due to a hamstring injury.