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Dalano Banton Dalano Banton (hip) questionable Saturday vs. SAS
Fri, Dec 20, 2024, 12:03 PM
Portland Trail Blazers
Dalano Banton (left hip contusion) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Spurs.
Analysis: Banton did not play in Thursday's win over the Nuggets, but his absence did not impact fantasy basketball. The Blazers stuck with a nine-player rotation, so there may not be enough minutes available for Banton if he's cleared. |
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Deni Avdija Deni Avdija chips in 19 points off bench in win
Thu, Dec 19, 2024, 6:43 PM
Deni Avdija provided a boost off the bench with 19 points (6-of-9 FGs), two rebounds, one assists, one block and three 3-pointers against the Nuggets.
Analysis: Avdija started the year on a major shooting slump, but the last few games have been the exact opposite. He has shot better than 60% from the floor in three straight games and has shot at least 50% in six of their last seven. Though he didn't do it in this game, Avdija typically can contribute enough in other categories to make him an effective fantasy option, though the added efficiency tear has done wonders for his value. Even in a reserve role, Avdija has been and will continue to be a reliable player in fantasy basketball. |
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Shaedon Sharpe Shaedon Sharpe lights up Nuggets with 27 points
Thu, Dec 19, 2024, 6:39 PM
Shaedon Sharpe lit up Denver with 27 points (9-of-18 FGs), six rebounds, four assists and two 3-pointers on Thursday.
Analysis: Sharpe had a pair of 30-point games in November, but over the past month, he hasn't been as successful. However, that changed in this game, and he was able to contribute some rebounds and assists while doing. Sharpe is a bit of a one-trick pony in category leagues, since points and 3-pointers have been the main areas that he has provided value in. The defensive numbers won't ever be there, but if he can contribute like he did in this game while maintaining the scoring, the rest of it won't matter. |
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Deandre Ayton Deandre Ayton puts up 15/13/4/1/4 line vs. Denver
Thu, Dec 19, 2024, 6:36 PM
Deandre Ayton posted a full line on Thursday with 15 points (7-of-14 FGs), 13 rebounds, four assists, one steal and four blocks against Denver.
Analysis: Ayton was back in the lineup after missing two games with an illness, which made this the first time in over a month that he was available to play at the same time as Donovan Clingan and Robert Williams. All three have been productive in fantasy when they've been given the minutes, even if this has been an overall disappointing season for Ayton. He ended up getting the largest workload, which allowed him to record a double-double in 35 minutes, while Clingan logged 12 minutes and Williams played just 10. |
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Anfernee Simons Simons hits game-winning layup vs. Denver
Thu, Dec 19, 2024, 6:31 PM
Anfernee Simons recorded a double-double on Thursday with 28 points (11-of-20 FGs), one rebound, 10 assists and four 3-pointers in a 126-124 win over the Nuggets.
Analysis: Simons had a fantastic night and capped it with a right-handed hook layup at the buzzer to help Portland end their six-game losing streak. Simons had his first double-double of the season, and he set a new season-high for assists. His numbers have taken a hit this season, so it was great to see him play to this level in this game. Simons will continue to be an excellent source of points, assists and 3-pointers moving forward. They'll close out the week in San Antonio on Saturday. |
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Dalano Banton Dalano Banton (hip) downgraded to out Thursday
Thu, Dec 19, 2024, 2:22 PM
Portland Trail Blazers
Dalano Banton (left hip contusion) is out for Thursday's game against the Nuggets.
Analysis: While Banton has had his moments throughout the season, he hasn't been consistent enough to merit being rostered in most fantasy leagues. His absence frees up additional minutes among the reserves, with Kris Murray possibly entering the rotation. He would not be worth streaming in this spot. |
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Deandre Ayton Deandre Ayton (illness) to start vs. Denver
Thu, Dec 19, 2024, 2:20 PM
Casey Holdahl
Deandre Ayton (illness) will play and start against the Nuggets on Thursday.
Analysis: Ayton will be back after missing their last two games, and he will return to his usual spot in the starting unit. That will push the rookie Donovan Clingan back to the bench, which means that he'll be splitting the backup center minutes with Robert Williams. |
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Deandre Ayton Deandre Ayton (illness) officially questionable
Wed, Dec 18, 2024, 4:30 PM
Trail Blazers PR on Twitter
Deandre Ayton (illness) is questionable for Thursday's matchup with Denver.
Analysis: Ayton practiced Tuesday, so he's trending in the right direction after missing two straight games. If he's able to get back on the court, Ayton will likely start, and Donovan Clingan will head back to the bench. |
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Matisse Thybulle Matisse Thybulle still not cleared for contact
Tue, Dec 17, 2024, 11:02 AM
Sean Highkin
Matisse Thybulle (Grade 2 right ankle sprain) has progressed to stand still shooting but hasn't been cleared for contact.
Analysis: Thybulle has yet to play this season, since he suffered a severe ankle injury while recovering from a knee procedure that he underwent just before the regular season. It appears he still isn't that close to returning, but that won't impact fantasy basketball. |
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Deandre Ayton Deandre Ayton (illness) practices Tuesday
Tue, Dec 17, 2024, 11:01 AM
Sean Highkin
Deandre Ayton (illness) was able to practice on Tuesday.
Analysis: Ayton has missed their last two games, but this bodes well for his chances if playing against Denver on Tuesday. Donovan Clingan started in their last game, with Robert Williams and Jabari Walker also seeing time off the bench. It is quite the logjam at center, though Walker will certainly be pushed out of the rotation if Ayton is back. The likely scenario is that Ayton returns to the starting lineup, with Clingan and Williams playing small roles off the bench. |
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Robert Williams Robert Williams scores eight points in return
Sun, Dec 15, 2024, 4:31 PM
Robert Williams (return to competition conditioning) amassed eight points (4-of-4 FGs), three rebounds, and one assist in 17 minutes in Sunday's loss to Phoenix.
Analysis: After a seven-game absence, Williams was back in action for the Trail Blazers on Sunday. However, his playing time was limited, minimizing the value fantasy managers could derive from the Time Lord. Donovan Clingan started but was also on a minutes restriction. He finished with 10 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and two blocked shots in 19 minutes. In the short term, the values of Clingan and Williams will depend partially on Deandre Ayton's availability, as he has missed Portland's last two games with illness. |
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Deni Avdija Deni Avdija posts 17/7/3 line, three 3-pointers
Sun, Dec 15, 2024, 4:30 PM
Deni Avdija accounted for 17 points (6-of-9 FGs, 2-of-4 FTs), seven rebounds, three assists, and three 3-pointers in 28 minutes in Sunday's loss to the Suns.
Analysis: Avdija is rostered in 65% of Yahoo leagues despite coming off the bench, and with good reason. He recorded another solid stat line on Sunday, shooting nearly 67% from the field and putting up solid points, rebounds, assists, and 3-pointers. While Avdija did not record any defensive stats in Phoenix, he's averaging 1.0 steals and 0.7 blocks per game. He should have reliable late-round value in standard leagues for the remainder of the season. |
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Anfernee Simons Anfernee Simons leads Blazers with 20 points
Sun, Dec 15, 2024, 4:29 PM
Anfernee Simons shot 7-of-15 from the field and 2-of-2 from the foul line in Sunday's loss to the Suns, scoring 20 points with four rebounds, five assists, two steals, and four 3-pointers in 37 minutes.
Analysis: Two nights removed from scoring 30 points in a loss to the Spurs, Simons only scored 20 on Sunday. However, the difference was the foul line, as he only attempted two free throws in Phoenix compared to 11 against San Antonio. Simons remains ranked well outside the top 100 in 8- and 9-cat formats, providing better value in the former. He'll look to continue his ascension up the ranking when Portland faces Denver on Thursday. |
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Jerami Grant Jerami Grant hits four triples, scores 17 points
Sun, Dec 15, 2024, 4:28 PM
Jerami Grant played 36 minutes in Sunday's 116-109 loss to Phoenix, scoring 17 points (6-of-16 FGs, 1-of-2 FTs) with six rebounds, three assists, two steals, and four 3-pointers.
Analysis: While Grant continues to provide minimal value as a rebounder, averaging 3.5 boards per game, Sunday's effort was one of his best of the season. He grabbed six in Phoenix, two shy of his season-high and the first time Grant's recorded that many boards in a game since November 20. While Grant is ranked just outside the top 100 in 9-cat formats, the production in categories outside of points and 3-pointers limits his fantasy ceiling. Portland plays twice during Week 8, beginning with Denver on Thursday. |
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Robert Williams Robert Williams III (conditioning) available vs. Suns
Sun, Dec 15, 2024, 12:39 PM
Robert Williams III (return to competition conditioning) is available for Sunday's game against the Suns.
Analysis: Williams has missed each of Portland's last seven games dealing with a concussion and the league's return to play protocols. Jabari Walker will see less minutes with Williams III available, though neither of them are streaming options. |
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Robert Williams Robert Williams (conditioning) questionable Sunday
Sat, Dec 14, 2024, 1:11 PM
Portland Trail Blazers
Robert Williams III (return to competition conditioning) is questionable for Sunday's game against Phoenix.
Analysis: Williams has missed Portland's last seven games due to league concussion protocols and subsequent conditioning ramp-up. If he can play in Phoenix, Jabari Walker's minutes will decrease. Walker hasn't been a great streaming option and is not rostered in many fantasy leagues. |
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Deandre Ayton Deandre Ayton (illness) to remain sidelined Sunday
Sat, Dec 14, 2024, 1:08 PM
Portland Trail Blazers
Deandre Ayton (illness) will not play in Sunday's game against the Suns.
Analysis: Ayton will miss a second consecutive game due to illness, and the rotation's appearance on Sunday will depend on multiple factors. Robert Williams III (conditioning) is questionable, while Donovan Clingan may still be restricted in his second game back. If the Time Lord plays, Jabari Walker's minutes will decrease. Clingan should be rostered regardless of his playing time, especially for managers needing rebounds and blocks. |
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Jerami Grant Jerami Grant gets hot in third, finishes with 30
Fri, Dec 13, 2024, 6:41 PM
Jerami Grant shot 12-of-19 from the field in Friday's 118-116 loss to the Spurs, scoring 30 points with four rebounds, two assists, one steal, and eight 3-pointers in 38 minutes.
Analysis: After a five-point first half, Grant caught fire in the third quarter. Shooting 6-of-7 from three and 8-of-10 from the field overall, he scored 22 points on the frame, establishing career-highs for points and 3-pointers in a quarter. Grant may not provide consistent value in other essential categories in fantasy basketball, but he can put up points and 3-pointers. He's ranked just outside the top 100 in 9-cat formats for the season. Portland finishes its week with a game in Phoenix on Sunday. |
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Deni Avdija Deni Avdija produces 19/5/4/1 stat line vs. Spurs
Fri, Dec 13, 2024, 6:40 PM
Deni Avdija accumulated 19 points (7-of-11 FGs, 4-of-4 FTs), five rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one 3-pointer in 26 minutes in Friday's 118-116 loss to San Antonio.
Analysis: Avdija has reached double figures in 11 of his last 12 outings, with Portland's blowout loss to the Jazz on December 6 being the outlier. Friday's performance against the Spurs was one of his best, with the fourth-year wing scoring at least 19 points for the third time this season. Even with the bench role limiting his fantasy ceiling, Avdija is still rostered in 66% of Yahoo leagues. If Portland were to reach a point where they'd shut down Jerami Grant (we aren't there yet), Avdija would be one player whose fantasy value would increase. |
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Anfernee Simons Anfernee Simons drops 30 points, seven assists
Fri, Dec 13, 2024, 6:40 PM
Anfernee Simons shot 8-of-15 from the field and 11-of-11 from the foul line in Friday's 118-116 loss to San Antonio, scoring 30 points with three rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and three 3-pointers in 37 minutes.
Analysis: Simons notched his second 30-point game of the season on Friday, matching his high with 30 points. And this was a sorely needed performance, given his shooting in Portland's previous three games. Simons scored 35 points in losses to the Clippers, Jazz, and Lakers, shooting 13-of-39 from the field. He was far better against San Antonio, shooting over 50% from the field and not committing a turnover. While his season-long fantasy value has disappointed, Simons has been a top-75 player over the past two weeks. |
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