Report: Blazers coach Chauncey Billups clears protocol / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports Credit Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups has cleared the NBA's COVID-19 protocol and will return for Monday night's home game against the Atlanta Hawks, ESPN reported Sunday.

Billups entered the protocol on Dec. 27 and missed the Blazers' losses this week to the Dallas Mavericks, Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Lakers.

Assistant coach Scott Brooks, who was the acting head coach in Billups' absence, entered the health and safety protocol on Sunday, The Athletic reported.

Portland (13-22) has lost four straight overall and 11 of its last 13 entering Monday's clash with the Hawks.

Billups, 45, is in his first season as an NBA head coach.

He was an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Clippers in 2020-21 following a 17-year NBA career with seven teams that included five All-Star selections and a 2004 NBA championship with the Detroit Pistons.

Brooks, 56, is in his first season on the Blazers staff. He compiled a 521-414 record as head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder (2008-15) and Washington Wizards (2016-21).

--Field Level Media

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