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Brazilian-born Tiago Splitter named interim coach of Trail Blazers

Thu Oct 23 5:13pm ET
Field Level Media

Tiago Splitter was named interim coach of the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday after the arrest of Chauncey Billups.

Splitter, 40, will make his debut in the role on Friday night when the Trail Blazers host the Golden State Warriors.

Billups was arrested Thursday morning as part of a federal investigation into illegal betting activities.

"We are aware of the allegations involving head coach Chauncey Billups, and the Trail Blazers are fully cooperating with the investigation," the team said in a statement. "Billups has been placed on immediate leave, and Tiago Splitter will assume head coaching duties in the interim."


Splitter is the first Brazilian-born head coach in NBA history. This is his first season with the Trail Blazers.

He previously had NBA assistant coaching stints with the Brooklyn Nets (2019-23) and Houston Rockets (2023-24). Splitter served as the head coach of Paris Basketball last season.

Splitter played seven seasons in the NBA from 2010-17 and averaged 7.9 points and 5.0 in 355 games (153 starts).

Splitter spent his first five NBA seasons with the San Antonio Spurs and was part of their 2013-14 NBA championship team. He established career highs of 10.3 points and 6.4 rebounds during the 2012-13 campaign.

Splitter played one season apiece with the Atlanta Hawks and Philadelphia 76ers. He also played for Brazil in the 2012 Olympics.

Brazilian Leandro Barbosa, a former longtime NBA player, is an assistant coach for the Sacramento Kings.

Portland led most of the way in its season opener on Wednesday before falling 118-114 to the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves. The setback left Billups with a 117-212 record in four seasons plus one game as the Trail Blazers' coach.

The Trail Blazers reportedly canceled their scheduled Thursday media availability session.

Player Notes
Cason Wallace Thu Oct 23 2:50pm

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace (knee) will not play Thursday when the Thunder visit the Pacers. He was originally listed as questionable due to a left knee sprain, but he was downgraded to out on Thursday afternoon. The Thunder started the season with a double-overtime thriller against the Rockets, and Wallace played 42 minutes in that game with 14 points, seven rebounds, five assists, four steals, and three three-pointers. Wallace's absence on Thursday will leave lots of minutes and usage opportunities for Ajay Mitchell and Andrew Wiggins since Alex Caruso (concussion), Isaiah Joe (knee), and Jalen Williams (wrist) will all be sidelined as well.

Luguentz Dort Thu Oct 23 2:50pm

Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward Luguentz Dort (ankle) was originally questionable for Thursday night's matchup in Indiana against the Pacers, but he was upgraded to available on Thursday afternoon. Dort typically plays plenty of minutes as a defensive specialist, but he may have to carry more of the offense with Cason Wallace (knee) joining Isaiah Joe (knee) and Alex Caruso (concussion) on the sidelines. Dort had six points, six boards, and five assists in 45 minutes on Tuesday and will likely have a heavy workload on Thursday as well if his sprained ankle allows

De'Andre Hunter Thu Oct 23 2:30pm

Cleveland Cavaliers forward De'Andre Hunter (knee) was one of several important players who missed the team's opener on Wednesday, but he was able to go through a lengthy shooting workout after practice and seemed to be moving well. He was expected to start early in the season with Max Strus (foot) sidelined, but he'll need to get past his own injury first. The Cavaliers lost by eight to the Knicks on Wednesday and will face the Nets on Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET. Hutner's status will be an important one to watch since he will have solid value if available, while Jaylon Tyson and Dean Wade could have bargain potential if they fill in for Hunter again on Friday.

Al Horford Thu Oct 23 2:10pm

Golden State Warriors forward/center Al Horford will come off the bench for the second game in a row to open the season with his new squad. Horford will be limited to about 20 minutes, according to Steve Kerr, as the Warriors try to manage the veteran's workload. Kerr said before the season that the lineup with Hoford, Draymond Green, and Jonathan Kuminga will be fluid, but for Thursday's matchup with the Nuggets, Horford will again come off the bench. In his Warriors debut, Horford had five points, five rebounds, and one assist over 20 minutes. Kerr also said that the plan is for Horford to take Friday's second half of the team's back-to-back off against the Blazers. That could create some Friday night value for Quinten Post and Trayce Jackson-Davis, who will remain in limited roles when Horford and Green are available.

Terry Rozier Thu Oct 23 8:10am

Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups have been arrestedas part of a pair of investigations related to illegal gambling, ESPN's Shams Charania reports. Rozier was arrested Thursday morning at a hotel in Orlando, Florida. Billups' arrest was made in Oregon and is part of a separate but related illegal gambling case linked to an illegal poker operation tied to the mafia. The Department of Justice will have a press conference at 10 a.m. ET on Thursday to provide further information about the arrests. Rozier didn't play in Miami's season opener on Wednesday against the Orlando Magic, while Billups' Trail Blazers suffered a 118-114 defeat on home court against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Moses Moody Thu Oct 23 8:00am

Golden State Warriors guard/forward Moses Moody (calf) will not play in Thursday's meeting with the Denver Nuggets. A calf problem will keep Moody sidelined for a second straight game. However, he could be back in action as soon as Friday. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has said he's "hopeful" Moody can play on Friday night as the team completes a back-to-back set against the Portland Trail Blazers. With Moody unavailable, Will Richard made his NBA debut on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Lakers, posting five points in 14 minutes. He could maintain a rotational role on Thursday.

Al Horford Thu Oct 23 7:50am

Golden State Warriors forward/center Al Horford will play in Thursday's matchup against the Denver Nuggets and rest on Friday against the Portland Trail Blazers, Anthony Slater of ESPN reports. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has announced that the Warriors will not use Horford in both games during back-to-backs this season, and Friday will be his first rest day. In Thursday's game, Horford is expected to play a crucial role as the Warriors try to contain Nikola Jokic. Quinten Post, who played only nine minutes in Tuesday's season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers, will likely take on a larger role on Friday in Horford's absence.

T.J. McConnell Thu Oct 23 7:40am

Indiana Pacers point guard T.J. McConnell (hamstring) will sit out Thursday's season opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The veteran playmaker sustained a left hamstring strain a couple of weeks ago in a preseason game and likely won't be back in action until November. On Oct. 9, the team announced that McConnell is expected to miss at least a month. There's no Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) in the Pacers backcourt this season, and McConnell's absence puts even more pressure on the rest of the guards to perform well. Andrew Nembhard and Bennedict Mathurin appear poised for big campaigns, while Ben Sheppard could also feature more in the rotation until McConnell returns.

Cason Wallace Thu Oct 23 7:31am

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace (knee) is considered questionable for Thursday's clash against the Indiana Pacers. The 21-year-old had an impressive showing in Tuesday's season-opening victory against the Houston Rockets, but he's now dealing with a knee sprain. On Tuesday, Wallace racked up 14 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and four steals. If Wallace can't play on Thursday, Aaron Wiggins could enter the starting lineup and have a significant role. In the win against Houston, Wiggins contributed 10 points in 21 minutes. Ajay Mitchell, who provided 16 points in 15 minutes on Tuesday, may also benefit from Wallace's absence.

Isaiah Joe Thu Oct 23 7:31am

Oklahoma City Thunder shooting guard Isaiah Joe (knee) is not ready to join the action on Thursday against the Indiana Pacers. The 26-year-old sniper is nursing a knee contusion at the start of the season. Jalen Williams (wrist) and Alex Caruso (concussion) also won't play, and Aaron Wiggins (knee) is questionable for Thursday's matchup, along with Luguentz Dort (ankle). As a result, the Thunder rotation could look very different. Players like Aaron Wiggins and Ajay Mitchell will be expected to step up and contribute more than usual.

Jalen Williams Thu Oct 23 7:20am

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (wrist) will miss a second consecutive game on Thursday against the Indiana Pacers. Williams isn't ready to play at the start of the campaign due to offseason wrist surgery. Cason Wallace (knee) should continue to start during Williams' absence, although he's dealing with a knee sprain and is questionable for Thursday's matchup. In Tuesday's season opener against the Houston Rockets, Wallace totaled 14 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and four steals. Due to the Thunder's injury situation, Aaron Wiggins is looking at a larger workload against Indiana, and Ajay Mitchell may also see increased usage.

Anthony Edwards Thu Oct 23 1:00am

Minnesota's G Anthony Edwards scored 41 points on 14-of-28 shooting in a 118-114 win over Portland on Wednesday, Oct. 22.

Tyrese Maxey Thu Oct 23 1:00am

Philadelphia's G Tyrese Maxey scored 40 points on 13-of-24 shooting in a 117-116 win over Boston on Wednesday, Oct. 22.

Victor Wembanyama Thu Oct 23 1:00am

San Antonio Spurs' C Victor Wembanyama recorded a double-double, scoring 40 points and grabbing 15 rebounds in a 125-92 win over Dallas on Wednesday, Oct. 22.

Grayson Allen Wed Oct 22 8:50pm

Phoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen (hip) will be available for the home opener against the Sacramento Kings. The Suns are anticipated to start him this season with a limited roster lacking depth after losing Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. Allen played in three Phoenix preseason games, but he's been dealing with hip soreness to put his status in doubt for the season's start. The 30-year-old sharpshooter averaged 10.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 2.3 three-pointers made per game last season. Allen could improve his fantasy value this season via a larger offensive role and open three-point shots coming from Devin Booker's facilitating. Oso Ighodaro, Ryan Dunn, Dillon Brooks and Allen will round out the starting lineup with Booker attempting to lead them to an overachieving season.

Anthony Edwards Wed Oct 22 8:50pm

Minnesota Timberwolves shooting guard Anthony Edwards (back) will play in the season opener against the Portland Trail Blazers. Edwards missed the final preseason game for rest purposes, but he was listed as questionable for the opener due to lower back spasms. Minnesota confirmed that their superstar is suiting up and will start against the Trail Blazers to open his sixth season. The Timberwolves will need Edwards to play at the highest level to contend, and his fantasy value should make him one of the best statistical players in the league. Last season saw the 24-year-old putting up 27.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and hitting 4.1 three-pointers per game. Similar numbers should come this season for Edwards to warrant starting in fantasy every night he's on the court for Minnesota.

Kevin Porter Jr. Wed Oct 22 8:30pm

Milwaukee Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr. (ankle) won't return to Wednesday's matchup with the Washington Wizards. The 25-year-old was on a roll to begin the contest. Unfortunately, he tweaked his ankle near the end of the first quarter and was ruled out for the remainder of the contest. Porter will officially finish this one with 10 points in nine minutes of action. There should be an update on his status soon. Until then, fantasy managers will be left wondering if he'll be able to suit up on Friday in Toronto. In the meantime, Cole Anthony could be in line for more minutes from off the bench.

Michael Porter Jr. Wed Oct 22 8:00pm

Milwaukee Bucks guard Michael Porter Jr. (ankle) won't return to Wednesday's matchup with the Washington Wizards. The 25-year-old was on a roll to begin the contest. Unfortunately, he tweaked his ankle near the end of the first quarter and was ruled out for the remainder of the contest. Porter will officially finish this one with 10 points in nine minutes of action. There should be an update on his status soon. Until then, fantasy managers will be left wondering if he'll be able to suit up on Friday in Toronto. In the meantime, Cole Anthony could be in line for more minutes from off the bench.

Anthony Edwards Wed Oct 22 7:50pm

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (back) remains questionable for Wednesday's meeting with the Portland Trail Blazers. The 24-year-old popped up on the injury report due to back spasms. Fortunately, he was a participant in Wednesday morning's shootaround. For now, Edwards is a game-time call. However, considering he has only missed six games combined in the last three seasons, it would be surprising to not see him out there for the opener. Of course, that could still happen, which would likely mean more scoring opportunities for Donte DiVincenzo, Julius Randle, Jaden McDaniels, and Naz Reid.

Daniel Gafford Wed Oct 22 7:30pm

Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (ankle) will miss Wednesday's opening night game against the San Antonio Spurs. Gafford sprained his ankle during the opening practice of training camp and missed the entire preseason. The 27-year-old was listed as doubtful until the Mavericks confirmed that he would be sitting out the home opener. Reporters saw Gafford walking around in slides instead of basketball shoes during the portion of shootaround that was open to the media. The big man averaged 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game last season. 21-year-old Dereck Lively II is starting at the center position to boost his fantasy value, and Anthony Davis will play power forward for Dallas' home opener. Gafford is not expected to miss many games, but the Mavericks will likely play it safe with his health so early in the season.


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