Yang Hansen's opportunity has come again! The Trail Blazers will be without 8 players against the Celtics: Robert Williams resting due to left knee injury management.

On December 28th Beijing time, the Trail Blazers announced their injury report for the upcoming game versus the Celtics, showing that 8 players are out, among them Robert Williams, giving Yang Hansen another opportunity to get on the court.

The eight players sidelined are: Cook (G League), Grant (left Achilles tendinitis), Henderson (left hamstring strain), Holiday (right calf strain), Lillard (left Achilles injury), Sable (left thumb ligament tear), Wesley (right foot fracture), and Roewie (left knee injury management).

The Trail Blazers will face back-to-back games over the next two days, first against the Celtics and then the Mavericks. As usual, Roewie will rest one game during the back-to-back, and this time he is scheduled to sit out the Celtics game, with an expected return against the Mavericks.

After yesterday's game, head coach Splitter gave a detailed response regarding Yang Hansen's playing time.

“I’ve said this many times and will keep repeating it: we need to be patient with him. He will get minutes, especially with Roewie missing during the back-to-back. Both Hansen and Klingen provide rim protection, but neither is highly mobile on the perimeter. Their roles overlap tactically, so his playing time will depend on the specific game situation.”

“I understand there are high expectations for him, but we must be patient and create the right environment for him. He is improving: getting stronger, faster, enhancing his language skills, and gaining better understanding of the game. I know many want me to increase his minutes, but patience is still needed to let him perform well in the proper setting. I’m aware that all of China is watching him.”

Splitter concluded, “Believe me, I am the person who most wants to see him develop well to help the Trail Blazers win.”