Portland Trail Blazers DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (knee) is scheduled to undergo an MRI this weekend, according to head coach Chauncey Billups. This news comes after Simons was forced to exit early during Friday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers. He'll sit out of Saturday's contest versus the Denver Nuggets. The assumption is that Simons will undergo the MRI on Sunday. The Blazers are likely going to be extremely cautious here with their young guard. Rayan Rupert will start in his place on Saturday, but he hasn't done anything with the extra minutes. Fantasy managers will have to check back on Sunday for another update on Simons.

Portland Trail Blazers forward Matisse Thybulle (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of Saturday's game against the Denver Nuggets. This was expected as Thybulle has already missed multiple games due to an ankle issue. The Blazers are banged up right now, so Kris Murray will likely start in place of Thybulle on Saturday. Last game, Murray posted 21 points and seven rebounds in 36 minutes of action. He could be someone worth looking at as a possible streaming option for Saturday's slate.

Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (hamstring) has been downgraded to out ahead of Saturday's game against the Denver Nuggets. This isn't shocking as Grant has already missed multiple games due to this hamstring issue. Given the Blazers place in the standings, it's unlikely that they will rush Grant back on the court. Toumani Camara should continue seeing more minutes in the rotation. He finished with 11 points and seven rebounds in 32 minutes during their last game. He'll hold some deep league streaming value for Saturday's slate.

Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (elbow) has been ruled out ahead of Saturday's game against the Denver Nuggets. The big man continues to miss time due to a left elbow issue. The assumption is that Duop Reath will move into the starting five on Saturday. He finished with 13 points, three rebounds, and two steals in 27 minutes of action during their last game. He'll be worth a look as a streaming option until Ayton gets back on the court.

Portland Trail Blazers guard/forward Matisse Thybulle (ankle) is on the injury report as questionable ahead of Saturday's game against the Nuggets. Due to right ankle impingement, he might be absent for a third consecutive game. Thybulle's absence opens up minutes for Dalano Banton and Rayan Rupert, who will also benefit from Anfernee Simons' (knee) exit from the lineup. Banton has looked very promising with the Trail Blazers and should play a big role against a weakened Denver squad that won't have Jamal Murray (ankle) and Nikola Jokic (back) available on Saturday.