Yang Hansen played 20 minutes on Oct. 16, and Portland coach Micah Nori said he needs high-level minutes to adjust to NBA speed and length: "Hansen needs to play high-level basketball." Nori took the blame for Al Horford hitting three 3-pointers over Hansen in his first stint.
Damian Lillard is back from a lower-body injury. Portland coach Micah Nori said 13 free throw attempts show his quickness is intact, and "he hurt his lower body, not his upper body. He can still shoot the thing." Nori said the team got through the preseason relatively healthy.
Deni Avdija is taking fewer shots this preseason but making them count. Portland coach Micah Nori said adding Ja Morant, a willing passer, lets Avdija play off the ball more: "maybe not as many shots for Deni, but he's been able to be much more efficient."