Backcourt Reshaping, Contract Flexibility, and Lillard's Return

Micah Nori remains unconvinced that Damian Lillard and Ja Morant can start together because of defensive concerns, increasing the possibility that Jrue Holiday starts despite the pairing's offensive appeal. Henderson's fit beside Morant remains under evaluation, while commentary has raised a sixth-man role for Morant because of Deni Avdija's emergence; no lineup decision has been made.