Portland Trail Blazers DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (knee) is listed as doubtful on the injury report, making it unlikely that he will return to action on Thursday against the Sacramento Kings. He has already missed eight games due to right knee tendinitis. Shaedon Sharpe has nailed down a spot in the starting unit during Grant's absence and will likely receive additional usage again on Thursday night. Kris Murray and Matisse Thybulle can also fill Grant's minutes, but they are far less attractive fantasy options compared to Sharpe, who has posted 18.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in a starting role this season.

Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (calf) will remain sidelined for Thursday's tilt against the Sacramento Kings. The former first-overall pick last took the court on Feb. 10 and is nursing a left calf strain. On Feb. 12, the team announced that Ayton would be re-evaluated in four weeks, but there have been no updates on him. The big man will sit out a 20th straight game. Donovan Clingan will continue to start at center, with Duop Reath providing backup. Clingan's averages as a starter stand at 7.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Dalano Banton (illness) has been cleared to play ahead of Tuesday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Banton was questionable coming into this game due to a lingering illness. However, Banton will shake off the questionable tag and suit up on Tuesday. He's averaging 12 minutes per game in March, so he's not exactly a big part of the rotation. The Blazers are relatively healthy at the guard spot, so Banton is unlikely to offer much fantasy value right now.