The former Celtics big man will have to work his way into Portland’s rotation. The Blazers have leaned on Donovan Clingan as their starter thus far, with Duop Reath and first-round pick Yang Hansen coming off the bench. It’s unclear how Williams fits in the front court, but getting him back on the court is still a positive sign.

The Celtics manhandled the Pelicans despite also laboring without their best player. Forward Jayson Tatum is likely out for the season as he recovers from a torn Achilles tendon sustained five months ago in a playoff game against New York.

After being eliminated in the second round of the playoffs for the second consecutive season last year, the Denver Nuggets felt as though it was time to make some major changes to their roster around Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon this offseason.