The Portland Trail Blazers, who are coming off a 103-97 loss to the Phoenix Suns, could be getting big man and former Boston Celtics center Robert Williams III from injury this Monday when they go up against the New Orleans Pelicans in the second leg of their four-game road trip.
Williams has yet to see action in the 2024-25 NBA season after suffering a knee injury and getting it repaired via surgery back in November of last year.
Via Blazers insider Sean Highkin of Rip City Radio 620:
Some positive Blazers injury news: Robert Williams III has been upgraded to “questionable” for tomorrow. Could make his season debut in New Orleans.
Ex-Celtics center Robert Williams to potentially make 2024-25 NBA debut for Portland Trail Blazers in visit to New Orleans
Getting a questionable tag is good news for the Blazers when it comes to Williams, who was acquired by Portland in 2023 via a trade with the Celtics. Williams was sent by Boston to Portland along with Malcolm Brogdon and a couple of picks in exchange for Jrue Holiday.
Before he suffered the injury, Williams played in only six games for the Blazers in the 2023-24 campaign, averaging 6.8 points on 65.4 percent shooting from the field, 6.3 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 1.2 blocks.
Even if he finally makes his return to active duty this Monday, Williams can’t be expected to see lots of minutes on the court, given his long absence. Moreover, Deandre Ayton has been the top choice at the center position this season for the Blazers, who are playing him 31.6 minutes per game. Portland also has rookie big man Donovan Clingan right behind Ayton on the depth chart.
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