Wed Nov 13 04:20:00 UTC 2024: ## Trail Blazers’ Ayton Out with Finger Sprain, Rookie Clingan to Start
**Portland, OR** – Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton has been ruled out for Tuesday night’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves due to a right index finger sprain, according to Sean Highkin of The Rose Garden Report.
In Ayton’s absence, rookie big man Donovan Clingan will start. Clingan, the No. 7 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, has impressed head coach Chauncey Billups with his performance as backup center. The 20-year-old is averaging 4.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks in 13.9 minutes per game.
The Blazers will also be without Matisse Thybulle, who is still recovering from a right knee injury. The veteran wing has yet to make his debut for Portland this season.
Ayton is averaging 13.3 points and 10.5 rebounds in 11 games this season. His absence could open up opportunities for other big men on the roster, such as Robert Williams III and Reath.
The Timberwolves will also be without several players, as Daishen Nix, Jaylen Clark, Jesse Edwards, and Leonard Miller are all with the Iowa Wolves, the team’s NBAGL affiliate.
First Piper 