Trail Blazers' Donovan Clingan: Four rejections off bench
Rotowire
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.