Portland Trail Blazers

Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (knee) has been downgraded from questionable to out on Thursday night. After missing the first quarter of the season, Simons has been consistently in the lineup since early December. He's only missed five total games since then but will miss his first due to left knee tendinitis against the New York Knicks. In his place, Scoot Henderson should get the starting nod again after he returned to the bench for their last game. In his last start, Henderson finished with 13 points, eight assists, six rebounds, and five turnovers. While he still presents a big risk, he can serve as a solid streaming option for deeper leagues.

Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (hamstring) will remain out on Thursday against the Knicks. The 30-year-old has suffered a hamstring strain and misses a second consecutive contest. Toumani Camara was back with the starters on Wednesday against Atlanta without Grant. He had a quiet 30-minute outing, and the rookie certainly won't have it easier in a tougher matchup on Thursday, either. Keegan Murray, who has been a more consistent fantasy performer, also benefits from Grant's absence. Both players could have a larger say in the offensive play on Thursday, depending on Anfernee Simons' (knee) final status for the game.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (knee) has been listed as questionable for Thursday's clash with the Knicks. Portland's leading scorer put in a monster performance with 36 points in 43 minutes against Atlanta on Wednesday and might sit out the second leg of a back-to-back. Scoot Henderson was back on the bench Wednesday, seeing only 17 minutes, and he will definitely have a bigger part to play on Thursday if Simons is out. Dalano Banton could get a few extra shifts as well, although this is a tough matchup for the Trail Blazers against a top defensive team.

Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton put in a dominant performance against Atlanta on Wednesday, scoring a season-high 33 points and grabbing 19 rebounds in a 106-102 win. He shot 15-for-20 from the field during a busy 41-minute night and completed his line with one assist, one steal, and one block. Ayton has sleepwalked through most of his first campaign in Portland, but he's looked great since returning to the lineup from his most recent injury. Across three games, Ayton has produced 28.3 points while gobbling up 17.3 rebounds. He faces a big test next against the Knicks, who are giving up the second-fewest points and rebounds in the league to centers.

Portland Trail Blazers forward Jabari Walker (hip) was out for a fourth consecutive game on Wednesday versus Atlanta, but he is expected to make a return soon. Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups said Walker is getting closer and won't be out too much longer. These are encouraging words from Billups, but Thursday's matchup against the Knicks likely still comes too soon for Walker, who's averaging 8.5 points and 6.5 rebounds in 22.1 minutes for his sophomore campaign. Following Thursday's action, Portland is scheduled to face New Orleans on Saturday, giving Walker a few more days to shake off right hip inflammation.