Portland Trail Blazers

Washington Wizards forward Deni Avdija (illness) is considered questionable to play for Friday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers. The 23-year-old unfortunately had to leave the match-up against the Lakers in Wednesday's game due to a migraine. He is still not fully recovered and could end up sitting out this next contest. If Avdija is unable to take the court, more playing time will likely open up on the wing for Justin Champagnie and Anthony Gill. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Friday to confirm his playing status.

Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (hamstring) has been ruled out for a 12th consecutive game on Wednesday against Charlotte. He hasn't taken the court for three weeks, and it's beginning to look likely that we might have seen the last of Grant in 2023-24. Jabari Walker has moved into a starting role on the Portland frontcourt. He's been a volatile fantasy asset but gets a good matchup on Wednesday against a struggling team with a poor defensive record.

Portland Trail Blazers guard/forward Matisse Thybulle (ankle) will be sidelined for Wednesday's contest against the Hornets. He's seen a total of 12 minutes of action across the last nine games as Thybulle continues to battle a right ankle injury. This will be the second consecutive game he misses. Kris Murray benefits from Thybulle's absence, but he's a very risky fantasy option due to his inconsistency. On paper, the matchup against Charlotte is a very favorable one for Murray and the Trail Blazers, as only Utah has a poorer defensive rating than the Hornets.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (knee) will be out of the lineup for a sixth consecutive game on Wednesday versus Charlotte. Portland's leading scorer continues to deal with a left knee problem. Dalano Banton should be fired up by fantasy managers again on Wednesday, while Rayan Rupert will likely earn another start. The 19-year-old has averaged an underwhelming 7.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in a starting role, but Banton has exploded for a number of big efforts lately. A meeting with the league's second-worst defense puts him in a perfect spot to crush it again.

Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (hamstring) isn't expected to suit up for Wednesday's matchup with Charlotte. He's listed on the league's official injury report as doubtful. However, as each game passes, Grant's chances of returning during the 2023-24 campaign significantly decrease. Nevertheless, Jabari Walker should remain in the starting lineup if Grant doesn't play on Wednesday. The 21-year-old is coming off an 18-point effort in Monday's loss to Orlando. However, Walker combined for just 15 points in the three games leading up to Monday's contest, meaning he can't be trusted from a fantasy perspective.