After Chauncey Billups' arrest, Blazers return to work vs. Warriors

Published: Friday, October 24, 2025 at 7:41 am

Blazers Face Warriors Amidst Coaching Crisis

Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups has been placed on immediate leave and charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering as part of an FBI gambling investigation. The charges stem from alleged involvement in illegally fixed poker games. The team has appointed Tiago Splitter as interim coach.

The Blazers are now preparing to face the Golden State Warriors on Friday night. This comes after a disappointing season opener where Portland lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves 118-114, despite leading for most of the game. The team struggled in the fourth quarter, shooting poorly.

Splitter, who previously served as an assistant coach with the Brooklyn Nets and Houston Rockets, will become the first Brazilian head coach in NBA history. He played seven seasons in the NBA, including a championship with the San Antonio Spurs.

The Golden State Warriors, meanwhile, are coming off a dramatic overtime victory against the Denver Nuggets, improving their record to 2-0. Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 42 points, supported by strong performances from Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler III. The Warriors opened their season with a win against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr hopes guard Moses Moody will make his season debut on Friday. Veteran Al Horford will sit out.

In the Blazers' opening game, Jerami Grant scored 29 points. Grant, who came off the bench for the first time since the 2019-20 season, expressed his commitment to playing well regardless of his role.

The Warriors have a strong track record against the Blazers, winning their last nine meetings, including last season's three games by a significant margin.

BNN's Perspective:

The situation in Portland is undoubtedly a significant distraction. While the team navigates this unexpected challenge, the Warriors, with their established leadership and recent success, are poised to capitalize. The Blazers will need to find a way to focus on the game despite the off-court turmoil.

Keywords: Chauncey Billups, Portland Trail Blazers, Golden State Warriors, Tiago Splitter, Stephen Curry, NBA, Gambling Investigation, Wire Fraud, Money Laundering, Jerami Grant, Steve Kerr, Moses Moody, Al Horford, Basketball, Sports

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