Portland Trail Blazers

Portland Trail Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe will see a full workload in Sunday's matchup with the Brooklyn Nets. The 20-year-old is averaging 16.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.0 assists this season, a significant improvement from the 2022-23 campaign, his rookie season. But he battled a groin injury at the end of December, keeping him off the floor for five games. Although Sharpe has been back in the lineup, he's logged 24 minutes or fewer in each of the last three games. Fortunately, he has been productive despite his limited minutes. At any rate, Sharpe's presence could mean less work for Malcolm Brogdon and Scoot Henderson, especially with Anfernee Simons also no longer operating with a minutes cap as of Sunday.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons won't face a minutes cap in Sunday's meeting with the Brooklyn Nets. The 24-year-old missed three games because of an illness but returned for the January 3 matchup with the Dallas Mavericks, the first of consecutive games between the teams. However, he was limited to 27 minutes or fewer in each contest. With Damian Lillard now a Milwaukee Buck, Simons has had a career year, averaging 24.5 points, 5.0 assists, and 3.4 rebounds. He's always a must-start fantasy option, although managers will undoubtedly appreciate the latest report. Of course, with Simons no longer restricted, Scoot Henderson should see fewer minutes, lowering his fantasy ceiling.

Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (knee) remains out for Friday's contest versus the Dallas Mavericks. Head coach Chauncey Billups revealed on Monday that Ayton stayed back in Portland to get "rigorous treatment" for the tendinitis in his right knee, and it remains unclear if there are plans for the big man to join the team at any stage of their current seven-game road trip that ends on Jan. 12. The 25-year-old former No. 1 overall pick has registered 12 double-doubles in 24 games, but he hasn't exactly taken the leap some may have envisioned on a rebuilding squad during his first year in Rip City. With Moses Brown (wrist) out and Jabari Walker (knee) doubtful, the Blazers' last traditional big men left standing are Ibou Badji and Duop Reath. We would advise staying away for fantasy purposes.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (illness) will return to the starting five ahead of Wednesday's game against the Dallas Mavericks. Simons will make his return to the court after a three-game absence due to a lingering illness. His return will shift veteran guard Malcolm Brogdon back to the bench. Although, Brogdon could still have some streaming value on Wednesday due to the fact Simons will be on a minutes limit. Fantasy managers in season-long formats can get Simons back in their lineups. However, he won't be a great DFS option on a busy slate with a minutes limit.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (illness) is questionable ahead of Wednesday's matchup against the Dallas Mavericks. The 24-year-old has been under the weather. However, the questionable designation is at least a step in the right direction. At any rate, if Simons misses his fourth consecutive game on Wednesday night, Scoot Henderson or Malcolm Brogdon could remain in the starting lineup, although one of them will head back to the bench if Shaedon Sharpe is off a minutes restriction.