12/14/2024, 6:17 PM
Grabs seven boards in return
Portland was without Deandre Ayton (illness) and Robert Williams (conditioning/concussion) on Friday, but Clingan's return from a seven-game absence due to a sprained left knee helped restore some depth in the frontcourt. Jabari Walker drew the start at center, but once Ayton returns, Clingan should remain ahead of Walker in the pecking order. Williams, meanwhile, represents a more viable threat than Walker to challenge for the backup role, though Portland showed a willingness to use Williams as a reserve power forward for a brief period in November when all of Clingan, Ayton and Williams were healthy at the same time.
12/14/2024, 4:38 PM
Strong showing off bench
The fifth-year forward continues to be the most reliable member of the Blazers' second unit. Avdija has dropped at least 12 points in 11 of the last 12 games, making two starts in that time, and he's averaged 14.9 points, 6.1 boards, 3.3 assists, 1.9 threes, 1.0 steals and 0.8 blocks in 28.3 minutes over that stretch while shooting 44.2 percent from beyond the arc.
12/14/2024, 4:34 PM
Erupts for 30 in loss
The veteran guard tied his season high in scoring, matching the 30 he put up against the Pacers on Nov. 27. Simons has produced at least 14 points in seven of 10 games since returning from a sprained hand, averaging 18.1 points, 4.9 assists, 3.3 boards, 2.7 threes and 1.0 steals over that stretch.
