LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla – News, notes and observations from a Friday afternoon in the bubble …
- Let’s not bury the lede: Damian Lillard is going to play on Saturday. Terry Stotts confirmed that Lillard, who suffered a dislocated finger in his left (non-shooting) hand in Portland’s loss to the Lakers on Thursday, would be in the lineup on Saturday. Stotts said Lillard will received multiple treatments throughout the day and could wear a splint during the game. Lillard scored 18 points in Game 2, his lowest output in the bubble.
- The Blazers played eight must-win games in the bubble, followed by a play-in game victory over Memphis.