Portland Trail Blazers

Portland Trail Blazers guard/forward Matisse Thybulle (ankle) is limited to standstill shooting in practice, head coach Chauncey Billups revealed on Tuesday. An ankle injury has kept the 27-year-old off the court for the entire campaign so far, and Thybulle's return doesn't appear to be imminent. Last season, Thybulle averaged 5.4 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.7 steals in 22.9 minutes. He has earned two NBA All-Defensive Second Team selections during his five-year career. Thybulle's addition would help Portland improve its defense, but the former first-round pick lacks fantasy appeal due to his limited offensive arsenal.

Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (illness) was able to practice on Tuesday, signaling he could be ready to return to the lineup on Thursday versus Denver. An illness has kept Ayton out for two games. Donovan Clingan and Jabari Walker have filled in for Ayton in the starting unit. The Portland big man has averaged a double-double for the season with 14.2 points and 10.0 rebounds, but he can't seem to stay healthy, missing nine games already this term. If he's ready to return on Thursday, Ayton will, of course, find himself in a very challenging matchup against Nikola Jokic.

Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (illness) won't play on Sunday night against the Phoenix Suns. The 26-year-old hasn't been feeling the best, so he'll miss a second-straight game on Sunday. Fortunately, the Blazers won't play again until Thursday evening, giving Ayton a few more days to feel better. Without him, Jabari Walker, who had five points, five rebounds, and two steals on Friday versus the Spurs, may remain in the middle. However, that could change if Robert Williams III (concussion), who is questionable, returns. If that's the case, Williams would certainly be worth starting in all fantasy formats.