Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan returned to practice Tuesday after missing seven games with a left knee sprain, a sign that he could play Friday against San Antonio.
However, when asked if he was looking forward to facing Spurs center Victor Wembanyama at the Moda Center, Clingan deflected.
“Not sure if I’ll be back then or not or when the return date is, but we’ll definitely see on Friday,” Clingan said.
Minutes prior, Blazers coach Chauncey Billups expressed a more optimistic viewpoint.
“He did almost everything today,” Billups said. “He looked good.”
But will Clingan play on Friday?
“Unless something happens throughout this week, I feel good about it,” Billups said. “If he can practice on a Tuesday, then I would hope so.”
The Blazers (8-16) announced before practice that Clingan had been cleared for on-court workouts and would begin the ramp-up toward a return to play. He is considered day-to-day.
The Blazers have struggled without both Clingan and fellow backup center Robert Williams III (concussion protocol).
Portland Trail Blazers v Oklahoma City Thunder
Donovan Clingan #23 and Scoot Henderson #00 of the Portland Trail Blazers celebrate a big play during the first half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on November 20, 2024 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)Getty Images
The Blazers' defensive rating on the season is 115.9 (23rd). Without Clingan for seven games and Williams for six, the defensive rating jumped to 124.7 (30th). Portland went 1-6 during that stretch.
Williams also practiced on Tuesday.
“Rob did some stuff out here today, too,” Billups said. “It’s good to have him on the floor, as well, obviously. He’s still in the protocol, though. He hasn’t passed every level yet.”
Clingan said he took his time during rehabilitation, trying not to rush back. But doing so was tough.
“I missed a lot,” he said. “I’m the most antsy dude you’ll meet. Sitting on the sideline is not fun. I’m excited to be back out.”
-- Aaron Fentress | afentress@Oregonian.com | @AaronJFentress (Twitter), @AaronJFentress (Instagram), @AaronFentress (Facebook)