Blazers’ Chauncey Billups Delivers Injury Updates on 2 Stars Ahead of Season Opener

Apr 6, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups watches from the sideline during the first half against the San Antonio Spurs at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images | Soobum Im-Imagn Images

The Portland Trail Blazers received positive news regarding two starting players ahead of their opening night matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night.

Starting small forward Deni Avdija (upper back stiffness) and starting power forward Toumani Camara (right knee soreness) returned to Trail Blazers practice on Monday and have been cleared to play Wednesday night, according to Joe Freeman of the Oregonian and OregonLive.

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Billups said that Toumani Camara (right knee soreness)and Deni Avdija (upper back stiffness) returned to Blazers practice and it looks like both are on track to play opening night.

— Joe Freeman (@BlazerFreeman) October 20, 2025

"I feel really prepared," Avdija said ahead of opening night. "We had a good training camp. I think we did a good job, me in particularly, I feel great. Especially after a nice EuroBasket that got me in rhythm a little bit. And, with that said, I'm excited. I'm ready to win, I'm ready to show off for the fans a little bit, be with my teammates and share the court."

Avdija said he was still dealing with some soreness in his back but that the injury won't stop him from playing on opening night.

In addition, a key role players is showing progress as he returns from a knee injury. Shooting guard Matisse Thybulle (knee) was a full participant in practice this week and has been cleared to play on Wednesday.

While much of the recent Trail Blazers' injury news is positive, one negative update comes regarding the availability of center Robert Williams. Williams is listed as out on the Trail Blazers injury report with a designation of "return to competitive reconditioning."

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"You know it's tough," Williams said at media day. "Injuries aren't easy for anyone. As soon as I'm back on the court, moving and feeling like my old self, it goes away. I've been through a couple [of] injuries. I know the ins and outs. I learned that you can't do it alone. That's when you start going the other way."

Billups said Matisse Thybulle has been a full participant in practice and Rob Williams has dramatically increased his activity. Their opening night status has not been decided, but it sounds like Thybulle might be available.

— Joe Freeman (@BlazerFreeman) October 21, 2025

While Williams won't be available Wednesday night, Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups said the center participated in practice Monday, a positive sign for his eventual return to the court.

As they continue to get healthy, Billups emphasized the importance of having a breadth of options off the bench.

INJURY REPORT 10/22 vs. MIN:

OUT:
Scoot Henderson (L Hamstring Tear)
Damian Lillard (L Achilles Tendon)
Robert Williams III (Return to Competition Reconditioning)

— Trail Blazers PR (@TrailBlazersPR) October 22, 2025

“The way that we play, we’ve got to play more people,” Billups said. “Because we’re going to be playing so fast. Hopefully we’re going to be picking up pressure and our guys are going to get tired. And let’s be honest, nobody is their normal self when they’re really tired.”

For more news and notes on the Portland Trail Blazers, visit Portland Trail Blazers on SI.