The Portland Trail Blazers are now 2-3 heading into November. Although it's a home game at Moda Center, Friday's matchup will still be their toughest test so far this season, taking on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the 4-0 Oklahoma City Thunder.
With the exception of their blowout opening season loss to the Warriors, the Blazers have looked like a better team so far this season. Scoot Henderson is in the midst of a sophomore season jump, offseason additions Deni Avdija and Donovan Clingan are impacting the defensive end, and role players are stepping up in big moments.
But for them to sustain this level of relative success this season in the competitive Western Conference, they'll need key players to get healthy. Of the Blazers' injured players, Robert Williams III seems the closest to return.
Robert Williams III's status for tonight's game against the Thunder
Williams III has been ruled out for Friday's matchup against the Thunder. Still, the Blazers are "hopeful that he'll be back very soon," per Sean Highkin of The Rose Garden Report. Williams suffered a grade 1 hamstring strain on October 4 and was questionable to play in the season opener. He's now missed what will be six games, including this matchup.
Here are the Blazers' next five games Williams will have a chance to suit up in. They continue their tough schedule on the road with a back-to-back:
- Saturday, Nov. 2 at Phoenix Suns (7:00 p.m. PT)
- Monday, Nov. 4 at New Orleans Pelicans (6:30 p.m. PT)
- Thursday, Nov. 7 at San Antonio Spurs (5:00 p.m. PT)
- Friday, Nov. 8 at Minnesota Timberwolves (6:00 p.m. PT)
- Sunday, Nov. 10 vs Memphis Grizzlies (6:00 p.m. PT)
Trail Blazers injury report
The Blazers have key players still recovering from injuries: Williams III, Shaedon Sharpe, and Matisee Thybulle. All three players have been ruled out for their matchup against the Thunder. But it sounds like everyone will return in the coming weeks (or sooner).
Here is a breakdown of when each injury occurred, the estimated recovery timeline, and the earliest return date and latest return date based on those estimations:
Player | Injury | Date of injury | Estimated recovery | Earliest expected return | Latest expected return |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Robert Williams III | Grade 1 hamstring strain | Oct 4 | 2 weeks | Oct 18 | Oct 18 |
Shaedon Sharpe | Left shoulder tear | Oct 5 | 4-6 weeks | Nov 2 | Nov 16 |
Matisee Thybulle | Right knee inflammation | Oct 18 | 3–4 weeks | Nov 8 | Nov 15 |
Thunder injury report
The Thunder are going to be without Isaiah Hartenstein, who fractured his left hand on Oct 17 and was given a five to six-week recovery timeline. Jaylin Williams is out four to six weeks after recently suffering a hamstring injury. Kenrich Williams is out after undergoing right knee surgery but is ramping up after being sent to the Thunder's G League affiliate to practice. No. 12 overall pick Nikola Topic is out for the entire season due to a partially torn ACL.
Trail Blazers projected starting lineup
- PG: Anfernee Simons
- SG: Toumani Camara
- SF: Deni Avdija
- PF: Jerami Grant
- C: Deandre Ayton
Thunder projected starting lineup
- PG: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- SG: Cason Wallace
- SF: Luguentz Dort
- PF: Jalen Williams
- C: Chet Holmgren
With Hartenstein being out to start the season, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault has been experimenting with different starting lineups. Isaiah Joe, Cason Wallace, and Aaron Wiggins have all started this season. It wouldn't be surprising to see any of them start against Portland. But the best bet is that Daigneault decides to roll with Wallace, who has started in two of their four games, including their most recent game against San Antonio.
How to watch Thunder at Trail Blazers Nov. 1
This isn't a nationally televised game. However, it will be available via NBA League Pass (blackout restrictions apply). The other options are the BlazerVision streaming service ($120 for the season or $19.99 per month) or over-the-air if you have an antenna. For those watching in the Portland area, the game will be on KATU Charge!: Channel 2.2. Here is a full streaming guide for those in Medford, Eugene, Yakima/Pasco, or Seattle area who would like to view the game over the air.