Health issues are sidelining Trail Blazers radio play-by-play voice Brian Wheeler for the "second time in four seasons," according to Jason Quick of NBC SPORTS NORTHWEST. Wheeler will "miss Friday’s exhibition finale" at Moda Center, then "at least the first three games of the regular season as he battles scrotal lymphedema." Wheeler said that the condition, which caused him to miss four games in November '13, has "returned and made it painful for him to sit through a broadcast." Scott Lynn, a former Portland radio and TV personality who now lives in Florida, will "fill in for Wheeler" for the Blazers' opening games of the season on the road against the Suns, Pacers and Bucks. Wheeler said that he "reluctantly agreed" to the leave of absence and "hopes it is only for the opening trip of the season." Wheeler is in his 20th season with the Blazers (NBCSPORTS.com, 10/12). The Blazers said that there is "no specific time table for Wheeler to return." In Portland, Mike Richman notes Wheeler signed a multiyear extension with the Blazers in August. Travis Demers will "call radio play-by-play" for the Blazers' final preseason game. Lynn "also filled in for Wheeler" in '13 (Portland OREGONIAN, 10/13).
