Portland Trail Blazers

Washington Wizards forward Deni Avdija (heel) has been upgraded from questionable to available for Thursday's contest against the Los Angeles Lakers. Off the floor for Washington's last three matchups with a left heel contusion, Avdija is back and will suit up on Thursday. The 23-year-old playmaking forward has been up and down in his fourth season for the Wizards, hovering around the top 100 in points leagues for fantasy purposes with 13.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.1 treys per game over 55 contests. It's unclear if Avdija is facing any form of minutes restrictions in his return, and while this matchup carries some blowout risk, the Lakers are yielding the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing small forwards on DraftKings in 2023-24. Make sure to get him active in season-long leagues.

Washington Wizards forward Deni Avdija (heel) is questionable for Thursday's game versus the Lakers. He's had his best season to date, averaging 13.6 points, 6.5 boards, and 3.7 assists. The 23-year-old has also shot a career-high 40.4% from behind the arc. Unfortunately, Avdija has missed the last three games because of a heel contusion. With Bilal Coulibaly (pelvis) out, Corey Kispert, who had 20 points and two blocks on Tuesday against Golden State, will likely stay in the starting lineup if Avdija remains sidelined. If that's the case, Kispert is worthy of being added to any fantasy lineup.

Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (wrist) is considered day-to-day after sustaining a wrist injury. The 25-year-old incurred the injury during Portland's game on Tuesday against the Heat, with subsequent X-rays yielding negative results. The Trail Blazers' upcoming match is scheduled for Friday in Memphis against the Grizzlies. In the event Ayton is sidelined, Duop Reath is anticipated to assume a larger role and likely start in his place. Ayton maintains season averages of 14.3 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 31.6 minutes per game.

Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton was limited to only 19 minutes of action against Miami on Tuesday due to a right-hand sprain. He was hurt when he took a hard fall late in the first quarter following a collision with Miami's Kevin Love. Ayton battled through the injury and had a great first half, but he exited the contest before the second half began. The Portland big man ended the game with 12 points, 10 rebounds, two steals, and one block. Duop Reath started the second half but finished scoreless. X-rays on Ayton's hand came back negative, but he's set to have some further testing. Portland returns to action on Friday versus Memphis.

Washington Wizards forward Deni Avdija (heel) won't play against Golden State on Tuesday. He will sit out a third consecutive contest after being initially questionable for Tuesday's tilt. Landry Shamet (neck) has jumped into the starting unit for the last couple of games without Avdija, but he could also be out on Tuesday, with the team listing Shamet as questionable. Corey Kispert (illness) is also questionable, meaning Johnny Davis could be the next man up. Jordan Poole is also a candidate to rejoin the starting unit, and he will no doubt be eager to put on a show against this former team on Tuesday.