Portland Trail Blazers big man Zach Collins has been ruled out for Game 1 against the Los Angeles Lakers on Aug. 18 due to an ankle injury.
Collins has some soreness and inflammation at the top of his left ankle, according to head coach Terry Stotts.
Wenyen Gabriel will start in Collins’ place against the Lakers, according to ESPN’s Marc J. Spears.
When Collins exited the Western Conference play-in game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Gabriel started the second half and played a little over nine minutes.
It will be Gabriel’s second-career NBA start.
Hassan Whiteside and Gary Trent Jr. will continue to come off the bench for the Trail Blazers.
