Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III is listed out for Saturday night's game against the Spurs, with rest given as the reason. The injury report gives Nov. 10 as his expected return.
What happened
Williams was listed as out on the injury report posted Saturday, Nov. 7, at 4:21 p.m. ET. The reason is rest, and the report gives no injury designation. No previous status was on file for this report. The report's comment notes that Williams closed Wednesday's 132-119 victory over the Suns with nine points on 4-of-8 shooting from the field and 1 of 1 from the line, plus eight rebounds, one assist, three blocks and two steals in 16 minutes. The report gives an expected return date of Nov. 10. Earlier this season he was listed day-to-day for rest on Oct. 16 and cleared Oct. 17. He then missed time with a left knee issue, listed out on Oct. 29, day-to-day on Oct. 30 and cleared Oct. 31.
What it means for the Trail Blazers
Portland is 6-2, fifth in the standings, and lost its most recent game. It hosts the Spurs at 10 p.m. ET Saturday without Williams, and without Vit Krejci (ankle), Ja Morant (hamstring) and Shaedon Sharpe (knee), who are also out. In seven games Williams averages 16.6 minutes, 7.4 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists. The Blazers are 6-1 with him and 0-1 without him. Without him, Donovan Clingan has averaged 25.0 minutes and 12.6 points, so the center minutes should run through him. Deni Avdija (33.2 minutes, 23.3 points), Damian Lillard (30.6, 20.4), Toumani Camara (27.9, 14.3) and Jrue Holiday (26.6, 13.3) lead the rest of the rotation. Scoot Henderson (22.1) and Sidy Cissoko (21.9) round out the minutes.
What to watch
The next injury report will show whether the Nov. 10 return date holds. The report lists that date as his expected return, and the team has announced nothing beyond it. Portland's opponent after the Spurs is not announced in the available schedule, so the first game he could be back for is not confirmed. Watch Clingan's minutes against San Antonio, since he is the main cover at center. Also watch the status of Morant, Krejci and Sharpe, who are all out and thin the rotation further.
Is Robert Williams III playing vs the Spurs on Saturday?
No. Williams is listed as out for Saturday's 10 p.m. ET game against the Spurs, with rest given as the reason.
When will Robert Williams III be back?
The injury report gives Nov. 10 as his expected return. The Trail Blazers have not announced anything beyond that date.