Trail Blazers' Donovan Clingan: Double-doubles with eight blocks
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Clingan chipped in 17 points (6-10 FG, 5-5 FT), 12 rebounds, one assist and eight blocks in 31 minutes during Wednesday's 106-98 victory over the Timberwolves.
With Deandre Ayton (finger) out again, Portland's 2024 first-round pick turned in a stellar performance. At 7-foot-2 and 282 pounds, Clingan is a challenge for any frontcourt, and he posted the huge number against Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle, arguably the best interior duo in the league.The UConn product dominated inside with eight blocked shots and was only two swats short of the rare point-rebound-block triple-double.
Clingan finished Tuesday's 122-108 victory over the Timberwolves with four points (2-5 FG, 0-1 3Pt), six rebounds, one block and one steal across 21 minutes.
It's unclear if Deandre Ayton (finger) will be available for the second half of this back-to-back set, and it's also uncertain if Robert Williams will play Wednesday, so Clingan could be in line to make back-to-back starts at center. The rookie didn't have his best showing during his first career start Tuesday, though that could've been expected since he had to battle with Rudy Gobert, one of the best rim protectors in the league. Clingan should continue to see steady minutes as long as the Blazers' frontcourt remains depleted.
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Trail Blazers' Donovan Clingan: Making first NBA start
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Clingan is in the starting five for Tuesday's game versus the Timberwolves, Danny Marang of 1080 The Fan Portland reports.
Clingan will replace Deandre Ayton (finger) in the starting lineup Tuesday. The rookie big man has yet to log 20 or more minutes in a game this season but will likely receive an uptick in playing time against Minnesota.
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Trail Blazers' Donovan Clingan: Swats three shots in win
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Clingan accumulated four points (1-1 FG, 2-2 FT), three rebounds and three blocks across 16 minutes during Monday's 118-100 win over New Orleans.
Clingan posted his second-highest mark in blocks of the season Monday. The rookie has yet to surpass 20 minutes through eight regular-season games, and with Robert Williams working his way back from a hamstring injury it may be difficult for Clingan to carve out a significant role early on.
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Trail Blazers' Donovan Clingan: Four rejections off bench
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Clingan notched four points (1-1 FG, 2-3 FT), six rebounds and four blocks in 14 minutes off the bench during Friday's 105-103 loss to the Pelicans.
While the rookie center didn't see much court time behind Deandre Ayton, Clingan made his presence felt at the defensive end. The seventh overall pick in the 2024 Draft has an impressive five blocks in 27 minutes through his first two NBA games, but if would likely take an Ayton injury or trade for Clingan to see enough action to be on the radar in most fantasy leagues.
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Trail Blazers' Donovan Clingan: Dominates glass in final tune-up
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Clingan scored 14 points (7-12 FG, 0-1 3Pt) while adding 20 rebounds, four assists and four blocks over 24 minutes in Friday's 124-86 preseason win over the Jazz.
In Portland's final preseason game, Clingan simply dominated the glass, pulling down nearly twice as many boards as Utah's Walker Kessler and John Collins combined. The seventh overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft will be stuck in a bench role to begin the season behind Deandre Ayton, but Clingan's rebounding and rejections might still provide fantasy utility right out of the gates.
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Trail Blazers' Donovan Clingan: Starting vs. Utah
Rotowire
Clingan is in the starting lineup for Friday's preseason game against the Jazz, Sean Highkin of RoseGardenReport.com reports.
Clingan will get the start at center since Deandre Ayton (rest) will get the night off. Clingan is expected to open the 2024-25 regular season as the backup center behind Ayton, though he could see his role increase as the season progresses.
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Trail Blazers' Donovan Clingan: Double-doubles off bench Sunday
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Clingan notched 10 points (5-9 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 0-1 FT), 10 rebounds, a steal and two blocks across 18 minutes off the bench in Sunday's 108-85 preseason win over the Kings.
Deandre Ayton will open the regular season as Portland's starting center, but Clingan has made his presence felt on both ends of the court throughout the preseason. That means the rookie could see decent minutes once the regular season begins, and he could very well win the backup role over Robert Williams (hamstring) even after the latter is deemed available to return to the hardwood. The Blazers open their regular season against the Warriors on Oct. 23.
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Trail Blazers' Donovan Clingan: Won't play Sunday
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Clingan will not play in Sunday's Summer League finale against the Rockets, Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle reports.
Clingan will be shut down for the final game of Summer League and shift his focus to the regular season. The UConn product slightly underwhelmed offensively during Summer League but shined on the defensive end. His presence defensively could be enough to garner him playing time once the regular season begins.
