Trail Blazers' Robert Williams to Sit Out Tuesday's Game

Knee injury management keeps the center sidelined for the back-to-back matchup against the Wizards.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 6:07pm

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The Portland Trail Blazers have announced that center Robert Williams will not play in Tuesday's game against the Washington Wizards due to left knee injury management. This comes as the team is in the midst of a back-to-back set, and the expectation is that Williams will be available to play on Friday against the New York Knicks.

Why it matters

Williams has had a history of knee issues, so the Trail Blazers are taking a cautious approach by resting him for the second game of the back-to-back. This will provide more playing time for rookie center Donovan Clingan, who is the team's top backup at the position.

The details

According to Trail Blazers reporter Casey Holdahl, Williams will sit out Tuesday's game against the Wizards due to left knee injury management. The team is being proactive in managing the oft-injured big man's workload, especially with the back-to-back scheduling.

  • Tuesday's game against the Wizards
  • Friday's game against the Knicks

The players

Robert Williams

A center for the Portland Trail Blazers who has a history of knee injuries.

Donovan Clingan

The rookie first-round draft pick of the Trail Blazers who will see increased playing time at center with Williams sidelined.

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What they’re saying

“Williams won't play in Tuesday's game against the Wizards due to left knee injury management, per Casey Holdahl of the Trail Blazers' official site.”

— Casey Holdahl, Trail Blazers reporter

What’s next

The expectation is that Williams will be available to play on Friday when the Trail Blazers take on the New York Knicks.

The takeaway

The Trail Blazers are taking a cautious approach with Robert Williams' knee by resting him for the back-to-back, which will provide more playing time for rookie Donovan Clingan as the team's top backup center.