Robert Williams III was downgraded from day-to-day to out for Thursday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies with a left knee issue. Portland, 3-0, was set to face Memphis without a player averaging 9.7 points and 8.7 rebounds.
What happened
Robert Williams III was ruled out for Thursday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies with a left knee issue. The injury report moved him to out at 8:47 p.m. ET on Thursday, Oct. 29. Earlier that day he had been listed as day-to-day with the same knee issue. Casey Holdahl of the Trail Blazers' official site reported that Williams had been ruled out. No diagnosis has been announced. This is his third time on the injury report this month. He was listed day-to-day for rest on Oct. 12 and Oct. 16 and was cleared both times.
What it means for the Trail Blazers
Portland hosted Memphis at 10 p.m. ET on Thursday. The Trail Blazers came in 3-0, third in the standings, on a three-game winning streak. Williams has played in all three games and averages 9.7 points, 8.7 rebounds and 0.7 assists in 18.1 minutes. Portland is 3-0 with him and has not played a game without him. Donovan Clingan, at 22.4 minutes and 9.3 points a game, is the name to watch for more minutes. Sidy Cissoko (23.9 minutes, 8.0 points) and Toumani Camara (24.7 minutes, 16.3 points) also sit in the regular rotation. Portland is also without Shaedon Sharpe (right knee) and Chris Youngblood (left ankle). Both are listed as out.
What to watch
The injury report lists an expected return of Saturday, Oct. 31, two days after the Memphis game. No timeline beyond that date has been announced. The next injury report will show whether Williams moves back to day-to-day or gets cleared. Watch how his minutes are split behind Clingan while he is out. Watch Sharpe and Youngblood on the same report, since Portland's depth is already thin with both out.
Is Robert Williams III playing vs the Grizzlies?
No. He was ruled out for Thursday's 10 p.m. ET game against Memphis with a left knee issue.
When will Robert Williams III be back?
The injury report lists an expected return of Saturday, Oct. 31. No timeline beyond that has been announced.