12/15/2025, 5:52 PM

Brings defense in return

Portland plugged Clingan back into the starting five after he had missed the previous three contests due to a left lower leg contusion, but he wasn't asked to handle heavy minutes while interim head coach Tiago Splitter occasionally turned to either Sidy Cissoko or Jerami Grant to serve as small-ball centers when Clingan and top backup Robert Williams were off the court. Clingan was still able to make an impact in the defensive categories and on the glass during his time on the floor, but he continued to remain relatively uninvolved on offense. He's maintaining a modest 15 percent usage rate for the season and has reached double figures in scoring in just eight of his 22 appearances.

12/15/2025, 4:04 PM

Double-double off bench Sunday

After missing the prior two games due to an illness, Williams joined the second unit in his return and posted a very efficient line while recording his first double-double of 2025-26. The 28-year-old center has started only once in his 16 appearances so far this season, with Sunday's 11 points representing his season high, and as long as Donovan Clingan stays healthy, Williams will have to be content with a spot on the bench.

12/15/2025, 4:01 PM

Strikes for 26 in win over Warriors

The 24-year-old forward continues to build on his impressive second half of 2024-25. Avdija has scored in double digits in every game this season and has dropped at least 16 points in nine straight contests, averaging 26.2 points, 8.3 boards, 8.0 assists, 2.4 threes and 1.5 combined steals and blocks during that latter stretch.