The Portland Trail Blazers head into Madison Square Garden on Friday, January 30, with a final injury report that tells the story of their season so far: gritty, thin, and constantly adjusting. At 23–25 and sitting fourth in the Northwest Division, Portland faces the New York Knicks with key defenders, shooters, and playmakers either out or managing pain. How they fill the gaps could decide the night.

Final injury report: Who’s out, who’s questionable

Portland’s list is long and meaningful. The headlines: Robert Williams III is questionable for Friday’s game due to left knee injury management. As the report spells out, “Williams is questionable for Friday’s game against the Knicks due to left knee injury management.” His status is pivotal for rebounding and rim protection.

Matisse Thybulle remains sidelined after surgery for a torn UCL in his left thumb. He is expected to be out until at least February 1. Portland will miss his point-of-attack defense and instincts in passing lanes, especially against a Knicks team that punishes mistakes.

Murray, battling back issues, is expected to be out until at least February 6. Back trouble has affected his shooting base and defensive stance, two areas Portland needs against physical wings. Avdija is dealing with a back injury and is a true game-time question: “Avdija is dealing with a back injury, and it is uncertain if he will be active against the Knicks on Friday.”

In the frontcourt, Duop Reath is out for the season after foot surgery. Wesley, who fractured the base of his fifth metatarsal, is set for an 8–12 week recovery window and is out until at least February 1.

And then there is the franchise headline: Damian Lillard won’t play at all this season. To remove any doubt, his status was underscored this week: “Lillard won’t be back on the court for the 2025-26 season, as he made clear during an interview with YouTube influencer Speed on Wednesday.”

“If Williams sits, who protects the rim at the Garden?”

Rotation impact vs Knicks: next-man-up gets real

If Williams III can go, Portland’s entire defensive shape improves. He anchors drop coverage, cleans the glass, and frees Jerami Grant from the heaviest banging inside. If he can’t, smaller lineups and switch-heavy looks become likely. Expect more minutes pieced together across the forward line, with a premium on gang rebounding.

Without Thybulle, the Blazers lose their best chaser for shooters and their most disruptive hands. That shifts more on-ball defense to Jerami Grant and the guards. Portland will need to limit straight-line drives to keep the Knicks off the free-throw line.

In the backcourt, any minutes for Henderson will depend on medical clearance evolving beyond contact drills. He has been cleared for contact, which is a positive sign for the weeks ahead, but recovery timelines are still uncertain. That keeps the guard rotation in flux and puts added responsibility on veterans like Jrue Holiday to steady the offense and direct the tempo.

“Holiday and Grant have to own crunch time until the cavalry returns.”

Defense without Thybulle: can Portland keep the game slow?

Thybulle’s absence changes how Portland can defend the perimeter. The Blazers will likely mix coverages to hide the missing length on the wing—more help at the nail, more stunts, and tighter shell principles. That works only if the communication is sharp and the rotations are early. The Knicks thrive when they create second chances, so the first shot isn’t the only battle.

This is where Williams III’s status becomes even more important. His presence means fewer compromises on the back line. Without him, Portland must box out collectively and prioritize balance—no leaking out for easy runouts if it costs the rebound.

Back injuries cloud the wings: Avdija and Murray updates

Backs are tricky, and the Blazers have two to monitor. Avdija’s status for Friday is uncertain, and a sore back limits his mobility, especially laterally. That matters most on defense, where quick slides and strong posture make the difference between a contest and a foul. Murray’s timetable stretches into early February, and his back issues have affected both his shot base and his defensive stance. Portland will need bench wings to soak up minutes and stay within the scheme.

“No Thybulle, maybe no Williams; this has to be a Jerami game.”

The Lillard factor: leadership by committee

Even when he’s not playing, Lillard’s status shapes expectations. With his season closed, Portland’s identity leans into defense, pace control, and committee scoring. Holiday, Grant, and the bigs must steer the huddles, especially on the road. The margin for error tightens, but the path is clear: win possessions with defense and discipline, then keep the scoreboard moving with simple, clean sets.

What to watch at Madison Square Garden

• Williams watch: If Robert Williams III is active, Portland’s interior defense and rebounding outlook improves dramatically.
• Guard balance: With Henderson only just cleared for contact drills, expect Holiday to log heavy playmaking minutes and set the pace.
• Wing depth: Avdija’s status may force more small-ball looks and test Portland’s ability to switch and still protect the paint.
• Second-chance points: Without Reath and possibly Williams, every box-out is a battle. Portland must finish defensive possessions.
• Turnovers vs tempo: The Blazers can’t hand the Knicks free points. Simple reads over hero plays will matter.

Big picture: February will define the Blazers

Portland enters 23–25 with an injury list that’s long but not hopeless. Thybulle could return as early as next week. Murray’s back may settle in early February. Wesley is a longer play, but his timetable is known. Reath is done for the season, which hurts depth, yet it also clarifies roles for the next two months.

The short-term ask is harsh: go into New York and execute shorthanded. The long-term view offers something steadier—by mid-February, Portland could look more like the unit it planned to be, with Thybulle back disrupting, the wings healthier, and Henderson easing in after clearance.

For now, the final injury report forces the Blazers to simplify. Defend without fouling. Rebound in crowds. Let Holiday organize, let Grant attack matchups, and if Williams plays, build the defense around him. It’s not flashy, but against a tough Knicks team, it’s the path that gives Portland a real chance.

Friday night is a litmus test: can a 23–25 team, light on bodies but clear on roles, carve out a road win in one of the loudest gyms in basketball? We’re about to find out.