Portland Trail Blazers DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (calf) will remain sidelined for Thursday's tilt against the Sacramento Kings. The former first-overall pick last took the court on Feb. 10 and is nursing a left calf strain. On Feb. 12, the team announced that Ayton would be re-evaluated in four weeks, but there have been no updates on him. The big man will sit out a 20th straight game. Donovan Clingan will continue to start at center, with Duop Reath providing backup. Clingan's averages as a starter stand at 7.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Dalano Banton (illness) has been cleared to play ahead of Tuesday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Banton was questionable coming into this game due to a lingering illness. However, Banton will shake off the questionable tag and suit up on Tuesday. He's averaging 12 minutes per game in March, so he's not exactly a big part of the rotation. The Blazers are relatively healthy at the guard spot, so Banton is unlikely to offer much fantasy value right now.

Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (knee) has been ruled out ahead of Tuesday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Grant will now miss his eighth game in a row due to a lingering knee issue. It's unclear if the Blazers plan to bring back Grant at all this season. His absence has given Shaedon Sharpe a chance to step up and he has been playing excellent basketball lately. Sharpe is worth rostering in most fantasy formats right now while Grant is out.

Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (calf) won't play against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday. Ayton has averaged 14.5 points and 10.4 rebounds per game in 39 games during the 2024-25 season. Prior to his left calf injury, Ayton played an instrumental role for the Blazers from January 19 to February 8, averaging 17.9 points on 57.4% shooting, along with 12 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.0 block per game. Donovan Clingan will remain the starting center in Ayton's absence.

Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (knee) is out for the remainder of the 2024-25 season with a knee injury. Williams has missed 11 of the team's last 12 games with left knee soreness. He was last available when the Blazers lost to the New York Knicks on March 12 but did not play. Williams has played 20 games this season, averaging 5.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game with his field goal percentage being 64.1%. When he plays, Williams flashes his talent, but he hasn't been able to stay consistently healthy.