Portland Trail Blazers DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (ankle) will suit up on Sunday versus Chicago. He missed the last three games because of a sprained ankle. Fortunately, Jerami Grant recently returned from a lengthy stint on the shelf, so he filled the void in the lineup. With that said, head coach Chauncey Billups is looking for more efficiency on the defensive side of the ball, meaning Avdija will start alongside Grant, with Shaedon Sharpe heading back to the bench. While Avdija is already a capable fantasy producer, his ceiling was raised even more after the team announced that Anfernee Simons (elbow) won't suit up.

Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (back) will play on Sunday versus the Bulls. He was sidelined for Saturday's loss to the Rockets because of low back soreness. While the 26-year-old was in danger of missing another contest, he'll be back on the floor on Sunday night. With Donovan Clingan (ankle) and Robert Williams III (ankle) both out, Ayton will get all the minutes he can handle, with Jabari Walker, amassing 10 points and five rebounds on Saturday night, in line to remain involved from off the bench.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (elbow) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Chicago Bulls. Simons seemed to be fine during Saturday's game, but he must've picked up an elbow injury during the contest. As a result, Simons will take a seat as the Blazers will take the cautious approach in the second leg of this back-to-back set. Scoot Henderson should be asked to step up and be the primary ball handler while Simons is out. Henderson is coming off a double-double during Saturday's game. He has been on a hot stretch lately, so he appears to be a strong fantasy option for Sunday's slate.

Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of Saturday's game against the Houston Rockets. This now marks the third game in a row that Avdija will be forced to miss due to an ankle injury. When healthy, Avdija has been a solid contributor, especially in this month, but he'll miss at least one more game due to an ankle sprain. Scoot Henderson has been playing increased minutes lately with the Blazers banged up. Fellow forward Jerami Grant (face) is a game-time decision for this game. If active, Grant is likely to absorb more playing time which would give Henderson less streaming appeal. Fantasy managers will need to check back for another update before tip-off.

Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (back) has been added to the injury report ahead of Saturday's matchup with the Houston Rockets. He recently recorded 14 points and seven rebounds against the Los Angeles Clippers. But the 26-year-old is now in danger of missing this one because of low back soreness. With Donovan Clingan (ankle) already ruled out, Robert Williams III may find himself in the starting lineup if Ayton isn't available. If that's the case, Williams must be included in all fantasy lineups.