Portland Trail Blazers DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (knee) will miss the second half of the team's back-to-back on Friday while he continues to deal with a left knee sprain. The 26-year-old has missed 12 games (will be 13) due to various injuries this season, so Robert Williams III, Donovan Clingan (ankle), and even Duop Reath have all seen some opportunities. Clingan is considered probable in the matchup against the Hornets, while Williams has been ruled out, which moves him into streaming territory. In his last start against the Heat, Clingan dropped eight points, 10 rebounds, one assist, two blocks, and one steal.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (back) will play on Thursday versus Orlando. The 25-year-old missed a recent meeting with the Chicago Bulls because of an elbow issue before returning on Tuesday in Miami. He was in danger of missing this contest because of back soreness, although that won't keep him off the floor. Simons is averaging 18.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 4.9 assists this season, all down from the 2023-24 campaign. However, he may be more productive on Thursday, considering Deandre Ayton (knee) won't suit up.

Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (knee) won't play on Thursday night against Orlando. The 26-year-old has battled multiple issues of late. However, he'll miss Thursday's contest because of left knee soreness. It's unknown how severe the ailment is, so it's tough to tell if he'll be available on Friday against Charlotte. With Donovan Clingan (ankle) also sidelined, Robert Williams III, averaging 5.0 points, 3.5 boards, 3.0 blocks, and 1.0 steals in two starts during the 2024-25 campaign, will likely fill the void in the rotation.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (back) is questionable for Thursday's encounter with the Orlando Magic. After missing one game due to an elbow strain, Simons hurt his back on a hard fall in Tuesday's win over the Miami Heat and might have to exit the lineup again. Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe will carry the Trail Blazers' backcourt if Simons isn't available on Thursday, while Dalano Banton should see additional action off the bench. He contributed 11 points in 17 minutes against Miami. However, Banton had notched just 13 points across his previous two appearances as he continues to struggle with consistency.

Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (knee) is questionable to play against Orlando on Thursday night. The 26-year-old has appeared on the league's official injury report for various reasons over the last few weeks. However, he's in danger of missing this one because of knee soreness. Donovan Clingan (ankle) remains out, so the Blazers need Ayton on the floor. But if he can't suit up, Robert Williams III, averaging 5.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.0 blocks, and 1.0 steals in two starts this season, is the favorite to fill the hole in the lineup. While those numbers haven't made him a viable fantasy contributor, his value could rise if Anfernee Simons (back) and Toumani Camara (illness) aren't available.