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PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Portland guard Arron Afflalo is expected to play Saturday when the Trail Blazers host the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 3 of their playoff series.
Afflalo has been sidelined with a right shoulder strain that kept him out of the first two games of the series, both Portland losses in Memphis. He was listed as probable by the team on Friday.
Acquired at the trade deadline from the Denver Nuggets, Afflalo was a key contributor to the Blazers in the absence of starter Wesley Matthews, who is out for the season because of a ruptured Achilles.
Center Chris Kaman, who missed Wednesday night's game against the Grizzlies because of a left ankle sprain, was listed as questionable for Saturday's game. He said at practice Friday that he hopes to play.
"It's no time for trying to get to 100 percent," Afflalo said. "You just get out there and give it your best."
Asked if he could shoot a 3-pointer, Afflalo laughed.
"I can shoot from half court, man," he said "Unlimited range."
In his ninth season, Afflalo injured his shoulder during the Trail Blazers' 116-105 loss at Golden State on April 9. He has averaged 13.3 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists this season.
Afflalo had stepped in when Matthews was injured, and wound up starting in 19 of 25 games following his trade to Portland. He was averaging 10.6 points with the Trail Blazers.
Kaman did not practice on Friday and his ankle was taped, but told reporters "I plan on playing."
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