Portland Trail Blazers DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Portland Trail Blazers forward Matisse Thybulle (ankle) is listed as questionable ahead of Saturday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans. The Blazers are seemingly banged up everywhere ahead of this matchup. Thybulle hasn't been a great scoring option for them, but he has been a reliable defensive player. His absence would probably mean more minutes for Rayan Rupert (ankle) or Jabari Walker (hip) but both are uncertain coming into this game. Fantasy managers will have to check back for another update on Saturday.

Washington Wizards forward Deni Avdija (knee) has been tagged as questionable for Saturday after escaping their game on Thursday without picking up a severe injury. Avdija talked about the relief that his injury wasn't worse, but it's not surprising that he would appear on the injury report until the knee soreness went down a bit. Avdija has been on a tear lately ever since his usage has increased and has been one of the best fantasy candidates to help win some playoff matchups. If he's unable to play in this one, Bilal Coulibaly will take on a much bigger role while Patrick Baldwin Jr. may move into the starting five.

Washington Wizards forward Deni Avdija (knee) was forced to exit their last game against the Houston Rockets during the fourth quarter after stepping on one of Fred VanVleet's feet. He returned to the bench after a short time but didn't play the rest of the game. Afterward, he told the press that he felt like he avoided anything severe and that his knee was just a bit sore. Avdija has been one of the best players on the Wizards over the last month or so. Across his last 15 games, the 23-year-old has averaged 18.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.8 turnovers, and 1.6 made threes per game. If he doesn't have to miss any extended time, Avdija should remain in fantasy lineups for the rest of the season.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (knee) has been downgraded from questionable to out on Thursday night. After missing the first quarter of the season, Simons has been consistently in the lineup since early December. He's only missed five total games since then but will miss his first due to left knee tendinitis against the New York Knicks. In his place, Scoot Henderson should get the starting nod again after he returned to the bench for their last game. In his last start, Henderson finished with 13 points, eight assists, six rebounds, and five turnovers. While he still presents a big risk, he can serve as a solid streaming option for deeper leagues.

Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (hamstring) will remain out on Thursday against the Knicks. The 30-year-old has suffered a hamstring strain and misses a second consecutive contest. Toumani Camara was back with the starters on Wednesday against Atlanta without Grant. He had a quiet 30-minute outing, and the rookie certainly won't have it easier in a tougher matchup on Thursday, either. Keegan Murray, who has been a more consistent fantasy performer, also benefits from Grant's absence. Both players could have a larger say in the offensive play on Thursday, depending on Anfernee Simons' (knee) final status for the game.