Portland Trail Blazers DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (face) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks. This marks the third game in a row that Grant has been forced to miss due to a facial contusion. His next chance to play will be against the Detroit Pistons on Monday. In the meantime, Deni Avdija will continue seeing an increased role. Avdija has been playing well lately and is worth rostering in most fantasy formats right now. He should continue seeing a bigger role until Grant is able to play again.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Dalano Banton (hip) has been listed as questionable on the injury report ahead of Thursday's matchup against the Lakers. He missed almost the entire second half of December, playing in only one of the last six games. Now, Banton might also have to sit out the first game in January. With Banton out, Scoot Henderson has an opportunity to play more off the Portland bench. Henderson finished 2024 with a rough outing against Philadelphia, but he has been in good form lately. Henderson's last five appearances include a double-double effort and 11 total steals.

Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (face) will not suit up for Thursday's clash with the Lakers. He must sit out a second consecutive game due to a facial contusion. Deni Avdija will likely earn another start because of Grant's absence. The talented forward left many fantasy managers frustrated with his 10 turnovers on Monday versus Philadelphia, but Avdija is in the midst of a strong stretch. He averaged 16.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in December. Kris Murray also figures to play a larger role in the rotation without Grant, but he has not been a reliable source of fantasy value.

According toSean Highkin of Rip City Radio 620 Portland, Portland Trail Blazers forwardJerami Grant(head) didn't practice on Wednesday. Grant was sidelined on Monday against the Mavs due to a facial contusion. Per Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, he is not dealing with a concussion. However, it is unknown if the 30-year-old will be able to suit up against the Lakers on Thursday. Deni Avdija and Kris Murray will likely see expanded roles in the team's rotation if Grant can't play.

Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (ankle) will suit up for Monday's meeting with Philadelphia. He's available again after sitting out three games with an ankle sprain. Williams III will provide backup, along with Donovan Clingan, to starting center Deandre Ayton, who looks to register a third consecutive double-double on Monday. Due to his limited role, Williams III lacks fantasy value. He has averaged 7.5 points and 5.3 rebounds in 17.1 minutes this season.