Portland Trail Blazers

According to Sean Highkin of RoseGardenReport.com, head coach Chauncey Billups said Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (ankle) practiced Tuesday and could "potentially" play in Wednesday's exhibition contest against Ratiopharm Ulm. Simons has been dealing with minor ankle soreness. If he can't go on Wednesday, the 25-year-old will have another chance to suit up on Friday for Portland's final preseason game. The guard could significantly impact fantasy this season after coming off a strong 2023-24 campaign, averaging 22.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 5.5 assists across just 46 games. His season was limited due to ankle and knee injuries.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe (shoulder) suffered a posterior labral tear in his left shoulder. As a result, he's expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks. The 21-year-old averaged a career-high 15.9 points last season. However, he was limited to 32 games due to an abdominal injury, so the latest update on his health isn't ideal. Unfortunately, it's hard to justify him earning a spot in most fantasy formats to begin the 2024-25 campaign, especially since he was expected to come off the bench. With that in mind, Sharpe is worth monitoring throughout the year in case an injury to Anfernee Simons or Deni Avdija allows him to rejoin the starting unit.

Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (hamstring) will miss at least the next two weeks of action. Ugh, Williams was limited to six games last season and now he's injured before the regular season begins. He suffered a Grade 1 hamstring strain, so the team will re-evaluate him in two weeks. His absence should open up more playing time for lottery pick Donovan Clingan. The rookie big man could find himself with a sizable role on this rebuilding roster. Williams won't be an ideal fantasy option even as a late round flier with Deandre Ayton and Clingan both in the mix for minutes at the center spot.

Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (knee) is "very tradable," according to ESPN's Brian Windhorst. Portland has Deandre Ayton, who Windhorst implied isn't in high demand, while drafting UConn's Donovan Clingan during the 2024 NBA Draft. As a result, there's not much room for others. With teams around the National Basketball Association strapped for cash, William's $12.4 million price tag for the 2024-25 campaign makes him an ideal candidate to be moved. Without question, the 26-year-old has plenty of talent, averaging 7.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks throughout his career. Unfortunately, his history of bilateral knee surgeries has kept him from reaching his maximum potential. Williams' days as a starter are likely over. However, he has proven to be a reliable fantasy asset, even when coming off the bench.

The Portland Trail Blazers acquired forward Deni Avdija from the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night in exchange for guard Malcolm Brogdon, the No. 14 overall pick of the 2024 NBA Draft, and a 2029 draft pick. The 23-year-old spent four seasons with the Wizards. But he easily had the best year of his career in 2023-24, averaging 14.7 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists. He also shot 37.9% from behind the arc. Avdija still has plenty of untapped potential, and there aren't many players in the National Basketball Association who are more durable.