Blazers Injury Report: Robert Williams III Downgraded to Out vs Mavericks

Ricardo Klein | Dec 23, 2024

Nov 12, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (35) shoots the ball against Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) during the first half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images / Soobum Im-Imagn Images

The Portland Trail Blazers will be without their top paint defender, center Robert Williams III.

Williams has been ruled out due to a left ankle sprain.

INJURY UPDATE: Dalano Banton is AVAILABLE for tonight’s game @ DAL. Robert Williams III is OUT. https://t.co/nS9T0Vy6i6

— Trail Blazers PR (@TrailBlazersPR) December 24, 2024

This ankle issue is new for Williams. Considering his long list of injuries in his career, it is not surprising the Blazers are cautious with him. The center has played an average of just 11.0 minutes in his previous two appearances.

Williams has been a key player for Portland thus far. He is averaging 7.5 points per game, 5.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.4 blocks while shooting 73 percent from the field in 10 games and 17.1 minutes.

Since Williams is unable to go on Monday, the Blazers will likely lean on Deandre Ayton, and Donovan Clingan will likely see more minutes at center. Ayton leads the depth chart with 30.3 minutes per game and 14.3 points per game, while Clingan contributes with 16.6 minutes and six points per game.

Williams has only played a limited amount this season, but his performance on the court has been massively helpful, especially defensively. The former All-Defensive player is showing that he is among the best rim protectors in the league in his limited time on the court.

Not only is Williams on the injury report, but Dalano Banton and Matisse Thybulle are also on it.

Banton was listed as questionable due to a hip injury but has since been upgraded to available. If he would have been ruled out, he would have missed his third consecutive game due to a left hip contusion. Blazers guard Scoot Henderson would likely see some more minutes if Banton cannot play.

As for Thybulle, Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups said last week that he has resumed standstill shooting on the court but hasn't progressed to taking contact. He has yet to play this season due to an ankle injury.

The Blazers will face one of the best teams in the Western Conference and look for a big upset.

The Portland Trail Blazers will take on the Dallas Mavericks on Monday for their 29th game of the 2024-25 season. The Blazers will look for their 10th win of the season and their fourth on the road.

They'll look to get back to the win column after suffering a tough loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday. The Blazers are spiraling, having lost seven of their last eight games. They will look to avoid making it eight out of nine.

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