Portland Trail Blazers DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (calf) has been listed as out for Tuesday's meeting with the Atlanta Hawks. The Trail Blazers have been without Ayton since Feb. 10, and it remains unclear when or if Ayton will return this season. Donovan Clingan will continue to operate as the starting center, with Duop Reath providing backup. In 30 starts during his rookie campaign, Clingan has averaged 7.3 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks in 23.7 minutes. His offensive game is clearly not yet good enough for this level, as he has made only one field goal over the past two games, but Clingan is busy on the glass and an intimidating presence on the defensive end.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (forearm) will play on Sunday versus the Knicks. He was on the Injury report due to forearm soreness, so fantasy managers had a feeling he'd be good to go for this one. While his absence likely would have resulted in a start for Dalano Banton, the latter could remain involved with Scoot Henderson (concussion) sidelined.

Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (knee) won't play on Sunday versus the Knicks. He's already missed nine-straight contests. But the Trail Blazers aren't expected to make the Play-In, so it's tough to say if Grant will be back on the floor at some point before the end of the season. With Anfernee Simons (forearm) questionable and Scoot Henderson (concussion) out, Toumani Camara, Shaedon Sharpe, and Deni Avdija could be more productive than usual. Dalano Banton may also see a healthy uptick in work, giving him added value for fantasy managers.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (forearm) is questionable for Sunday's matchup with the New York Knicks. The Trail Blazers likely aren't going anywhere near the postseason in any capacity, so it's hard to gauge just how severe his injury is. With that said, Simons' absence could surely open the door for added production from Shaedon Sharpe and Deni Avdija. Scoot Henderson's (concussion) absence should also mean Dalano Banton could see some meaningful work, even more so if Jerami Grant (knee) remains out.

Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (knee) is listed as doubtful on the injury report, making it unlikely that he will return to action on Thursday against the Sacramento Kings. He has already missed eight games due to right knee tendinitis. Shaedon Sharpe has nailed down a spot in the starting unit during Grant's absence and will likely receive additional usage again on Thursday night. Kris Murray and Matisse Thybulle can also fill Grant's minutes, but they are far less attractive fantasy options compared to Sharpe, who has posted 18.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in a starting role this season.