Portland Trail Blazers DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (knee) will not play in Friday's game against the Miami Heat. This will be the fourth consecutive game he will sit out because of left knee tendinitis. Portland could be very short-handed on Friday, as they have injuries to both their backcourt and frontcourt. His absence has led to increased opportunities for Rayan Rupert and Ashton Hagans. The most significant beneficiary of Simons being sidelined is Dalano Banton, who scored more than 28 points in consecutive games. Fantasy owners will have to monitor Simons' injury status moving forward. The next chance for him to suit up will be Monday when the Trail Blazers play against the Orlando Magic.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Matisse Thybulle (ankle) is questionable for Friday's game against the Miami Heat due to a right ankle impingement. The 27-year-old missed the previous five games, as Portland is currently dealing with numerous injuries. If Thybulle can take the court on Friday, he could have a significant role since Jerami Grant (hamstring) is considered doubtful, and Toumani Camara (ribs) is out. If Thybulle is unable to play, Dalano Banton and Rayan Rupert will likely be given plenty of minutes.

Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (hamstring) is listed as doubtful for Friday's game against the Miami Heat due to a right hamstring strain. He sat out the previous nine games, and it sounds like he is trending toward missing another one. There is uncertainty as to when Grant will return to the court. But with Portland well out of the playoff picture, there is no need for him to be rushed back into action. The Trail Blazers frontcourt could be shorthanded for Friday's game, which will likely force Jabari Walker to take on more responsibility.

Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (elbow) is listed as questionable for Friday's game against the Miami Heat. He continues to battle left elbow tendinitis, so he could potentially miss another game. The 25-year-old last took the court on March 20 against the Los Angeles Clippers. He has sat out the previous four games, which has led to Duop Reath earning more playing time. The Trail Blazers sit near the bottom of the standings and do not have much incentive to rush Ayton back to the court. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Friday for more information about his playing status.

Portland Trail Blazers guard/forward Matisse Thybulle (ankle) will remain on the shelf Wednesday versus Atlanta. The team has once again downgraded him from questionable to out, meaning Thybulle will miss a fifth consecutive game. It looks like Thybulle is close to returning from an ankle issue, but it's tough to predict when he will be back. His next chance to make a comeback comes on Friday in a matchup against Miami. Portland continues to carry a lot of injuries, which will give Rayan Rupert a new opportunity to start on Wednesday. He is expected to be joined by Scoot Henderson, Kris Murray, Toumani Camara, and Duop Reath.