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[Saba Sports News] The Portland Trail Blazers, already struggling near the bottom of the Western Conference, received more tough injury news on Tuesday.
The team announced that rookie center Donovan Clingan has been diagnosed with a grade 2 MCL sprain and will be sidelined for at least two weeks.
Additionally, forward Matisse Thybulle, who was working his way back from a knee injury, suffered an ankle sprain that will keep him out for 3-6 weeks.
Clingan, the No. 7 overall pick out of UConn, has shown promise as a defensive anchor for Portland. In 17 games (six starts), he’s averaged 5.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game. Despite their struggles, Portland boasts a strong core of centers with Clingan, Robert Williams, and Deandre Ayton.
The Blazers currently sit at 7-11, the third-worst record in the West, as they look to navigate these injury setbacks.