Portland Trail Blazers

Portland Trail Blazers guard/forward Matisse Thybulle (ankle) has been ruled out for Saturday's meeting with New Orleans. The defensive specialist comes out of the lineup for just the second time in 28 games. Thybulle has averaged nearly 25 minutes per game for the month, meaning there will be a nice chunk of minutes to be shared around the rest of the bench. This could be a good matchup for Portland's second unit, as the Pelicans have a tendency to give up plenty of bench points, with only 11 teams allowing more across the season.

Portland Trail Blazers forward Jabari Walker (hip) will be available for Saturday's clash against the Pelicans. The team has upgraded him from a questionable status. Walker returns after missing five games with a right hip inflammation. The 21-year-old was rolling before getting hurt, and it will be interesting to see if he can carry on the momentum Saturday. Walker is certainly in a good position to post a third double-double in five appearances, as Jerami Grant (hamstring) remains out, and his absence leaves a lot of frontcourt minutes to fill.

Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (hamstring) won't make his return to action Saturday versus New Orleans. The team has downgraded him from doubtful to out, meaning the 30-year-old will be out for the fifth time in six games. Grant's continued absence gives Kris Murray and Toumani Camara a chance to make noise, while Jabari Walker (hip) will also be joining the mix on Saturday. Grant will get his next chance to return on Monday versus Chicago.

Portland Trail Blazers forward Jabari Walker (hip) was upgraded to questionable heading into Saturday's matchup with the Pelicans. The 2022 No. 57 overall pick has been a critical component of Chauncey Billups' rotation this season, averaging 8.5 and 6.6 rebounds in 22 minutes per contest. He's missed the last five games because of a hip issue and was initially labeled doubtful for the meeting with New Orleans, so he's at least moving in a favorable direction. However, the 21-year-old still has an uphill battle before being cleared. Fortunately, Billups indicated Walker is "getting close," meaning he could be back in the next few games. With Jerami Grant (hamstring) also in line to sit out on Saturday, Toumani Camara and Kris Murray should continue to warrant attention from fantasy managers.

Portland Trail Blazers forward Jabari Walker (hip) is on the injury report as doubtful ahead of Saturday's game against New Orleans. The 21-year-old has been out for five games, but Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups noted earlier in the week that Walker's return is getting close. However, Saturday's game might come too soon for Walker. With Jerami Grant (hamstring) also doubtful for Saturday, Toumani Camara and Kris Murray appear set for a busy night. The two youngsters have done well at times, but Saturday's matchup is a tricky one against a very good defensive team.