The Portland Trail Blazers are heading into Sunday’s matchup with the Golden State Warriors with some encouraging news on the injury front - and for a team that’s been battling through a tough stretch of absences, that’s no small thing.
Interim head coach Tiago Splitter shared updates after Saturday’s practice, and the biggest takeaway is that help is finally on the way. Centers Donovan Clingan and Robert Williams III are both expected to be available for the game against Golden State. That’s a much-needed boost to Portland’s frontcourt depth, which has been tested in recent weeks.
Clingan has been sidelined for the last three games with a lower left leg contusion. The rookie big man has shown flashes of his potential when healthy, particularly on the defensive end, where his size and timing around the rim have given the Blazers a different look. Getting him back in the rotation should help stabilize the paint, especially against a Warriors team that thrives on ball movement and interior cuts.
Williams, meanwhile, missed the last two games due to illness. While his availability has been limited this season, his presence as a rim protector and lob threat adds a vertical dimension that Portland has sorely missed. If he’s feeling anywhere near 100%, his energy and instincts could be a difference-maker, particularly in second-unit minutes.
As for the backcourt, Jrue Holiday is inching closer to a return. He’s been out for 13 straight games with a right calf strain, and while he won’t suit up on Sunday, the update suggests he’s nearing the final stages of recovery.
That’s significant. Holiday’s veteran leadership, defensive prowess, and ability to control tempo are all elements this young Blazers squad has been missing.
Once he’s back, expect Portland to look more composed on both ends.
Matisse Thybulle, however, remains out as he continues his recovery from thumb surgery. He’s missed 20 games after undergoing a procedure to repair a torn UCL in his left thumb.
Known for his defensive versatility and ability to guard multiple positions, Thybulle’s absence has forced the Blazers to get creative on the perimeter. There’s still no firm timeline for his return, but the team will welcome his defensive presence whenever he’s ready.
Tip-off against the Warriors is set for 6 p.m. Pacific on Sunday at the Moda Center. With Clingan and Williams expected back, Portland will finally get a glimpse of a more complete rotation - and against a team like Golden State, that couldn’t come at a better time.