Portland Trail Blazers

Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (illness) won't play in Wednesday's clash with the Timberwolves. These clubs met on Tuesday night, with Simons lasting only five minutes. As a result, Shaedon Sharpe got more involved, finishing the night with 17 points in 33 minutes of work. Without questions, Sharpe's upside is higher without Simons on the floor. The same can be said for Scoot Henderson and Jerami Grant.

Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (rest) won't play in Wednesday's rematch with the Timberwolves. Deandre Ayton (finger) wasn't available when these clubs met on Tuesday, resulting in Donovan Clingan sliding into the starting lineup. However, Williams benefited the most from Ayton's absence, finishing with 19 points, nine rebounds, three steals, and three blocks. While Clingan scored only four points on Tuesday, the door is open for more production with Ayton and Williams out of the mix.

Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (finger) won't play in Wednesday's game against the Timberwolves. The 2018 No. 1 overall pick was also sidelined when these clubs met on Tuesday night, resulting in Donovan Clingan getting the start and finishing with four points and six rebounds. However, it was Robert Williams III who stole the show in just his third appearance of the 2024-25 campaign, ending the night by amassing 19 points, nine rebounds, three blocks, and three steals. But with Williams getting the night off to rest, Clingan should have more opportunities to produce, although fantasy managers should still be cautious before putting him in their lineups.

Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (finger) won't play in Tuesday's matchup versus the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 2018 No. 1 overall pick has averaged 13.3 points and 10.5 assists this season. He's also shot a career-high 38.5% from behind the arc. But he'll miss his first game of the 2024-25 campaign due to a sprained right index finger. Without him, Donovan Clingan will get the start. However, fantasy managers could see a productive evening from Robert Williams III, although he likely continue to operate under a minutes restriction.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe (shoulder) is questionable for Thursday's matchup with the San Antonio Spurs. The 21-year-old has been sidelined with a labral tear and was expected to be out for 4-6 weeks. While it appears he could be nearing a return, there's still a chance that won't happen on Thursday night. But even if Sharpe is in uniform, he'll likely see reduced minutes while he works his way back. With that in mind, his potential absence should mean more minutes for guys like Scoot Henderson, Toumani Camara, and Rayan Rupert.