The Portland Trail Blazers are on a four-game losing streak after falling to the Mavericks, Clippers, Jazz, and Lakers. Some losses have been more embarrassing than others, such as their 141-99 blowout at home against Utah, who was without Lauri Markkanen.
However, one common issue between all four games has been their lack of defense, surrendering an average of 128 points during that span. If they maintained that rate over their 24 games this season, it would place the Blazers dead last in opponent points allowed by far, as the Washington Wizards are currently last at 123.8.
Blazers' strength turns into vulnerability due to injuries
When healthy, defense is still the Blazers' calling card. They have multiple players legitimately capable of making an All-Defensive Team appearance, between Matisse Thybulle and Robert Williams III, who have already achieved it, and Toumani Camara and Donovan Clingan, who, despite their inexperience, are already close to the top of the league their league at their respective positions.
GM Joe Cronin is reversing the Blazers' identity, which will better equip them for the playoffs (however far away that is). Once an undersized team built around outscoring opponents with Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, they are now in the process of constructing a lengthy, athletic roster capable of effectively switching on defense and protecting the paint.
As currently constructed, their roster is set on the defensive end going forward. They just need to gain more experience and make a few minor tweaks. The most notable concern is their point guard position, which remains a defensive liability between Anfernee Simons and Scoot Henderson. But overall, the Blazers are solid on defense; they just need to get healthy.
During their active four-game losing streak, Portland has been without Clingan (MCL sprain), Williams (concussion protocol), and Duop Reath (back soreness). Reath has missed two of the past four games, while Williams has been sidelined since Nov. 25 and Clingan since Nov. 23.
Clingan has missed the Blazers' last seven games. However, that could change in their upcoming matchup on Friday on the road against the San Antonio Spurs.
Chauncey Billups is 'optimistic' Donovan Clingan will play Friday vs. Spurs
The Blazers announced on X that Clingan "has been cleared for on-court workouts and will ramp up toward a return to play."
Sean Highkin of Rose Garden Report also mentions that "Chauncey Billups says Donovan Clingan did 'pretty much everything' in practice today and he's optimistic he'll be able to play Friday against San Antonio."
Chauncey Billups says Donovan Clingan did “pretty much everything” in practice today and he’s optimistic he’ll be able to play Friday against San Antonio.
— Sean Highkin (@highkin) December 10, 2024
If there's one player the Blazers could use Clingan's 7-foot-2, 280-pound frame to help contain, it's "The Alien" Victor Wembanyama.
Clingan has been impactful during limited stretches as a rookie, averaging 5.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks in 17 minutes per game. His advanced stats even show more of the impact he's having. The Blazers have the best defensive rating with Clingan on the court (111.97) compared to any other player on their roster.
On a per 36-minute basis, he's averaging 12.3 points, 14.2 rebounds, and 4.6 blocks. His rebounding rate ties him with Karl-Anthony Towns for 13th best in the league, while his blocks are at the top, even ahead of Wembanyama's 3.8. Assuming Clingan gets the green light Friday, it's going to be a block party in San Antonio.