Portland Trail Blazers DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (hand) will rejoin the action on Friday against Houston. He has missed three games with a hand injury. Following a great start to the campaign, Simons has been inconsistent with his performances in November, shooting below 38 percent from the field. He might have a difficult time again on Friday, as the Rockets boast the second-best defensive rating in the league (104.8).

Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (illness) will suit up for Friday's meeting with Houston. His status was initially thrown into doubt when he popped up on the injury report with an illness. However, the team has upgraded him from questionable to available. Grant will look to end a poor spell. He has scored only 31 points across the last three games. It's a matchup against a team that's ranked second in defensive efficiency, so fantasy managers shouldn't bank on Grant bouncing back on Friday.

Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (finger) will miss a fifth consecutive game on Friday versus Houston. He was initially considered doubtful for the clash, meaning Ayton's return in Saturday's rematch between the teams isn't likely either. Donovan Clingan and Robert Williams III will continue to cover the minutes at the five position. Clingan has averaged 9.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks since grabbing Ayton's spot in the first unit.

Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (illness) is listed as questionable ahead of Friday's game against the Houston Rockets. Grant was a late addition to the injury report due to an illness. The Blazers are likely going to wait until closer to tip-off before making a final decision on his status. If he sits, Deni Avdija figures to see an increased role in the rotation. Avdija has been better lately as he's scored double digits in three of his last four games. The absence of Grant would make Avdija worth a look for Friday's slate.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (illness) is regarded as questionable for Wednesday's meeting with Oklahoma City. An illness has already knocked him out for a couple of games, and he might miss another one. Scoot Henderson has rolled with the starters during Simons' absence. He's been inconsistent all year and doesn't look like a good fantasy option at present. Dalano Banton's minutes have also been on the up lately, and he's coming off a 23-point performance against Atlanta. Banton has averaged 13.3 points for the month, but his scoring form faces a big test on Wednesday, as the Thunder own the league's best defensive rating (102.4).