Portland Trail Blazers Roster
- Western Northwest
- Stadium
- Moda Center
Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton had a rough start with his new club but feels his first year was "amazing" overall. The 2023-24 season was almost like two different seasons for Ayton, as he greatly improved his performances after the All-Star break. The former first overall pick became a 22-12 guy following the break and ended up averaging 16.7 points and 11.1 rebounds for the season. Hopefully, we will see the post-break Ayton for the entire year in 2024-25, and he will stay clear of injury troubles -- the 25-year-old saw action in only 55 games in 2023-24.
Portland Trail Blazers guard Dalano Banton (ankle) has been downgraded to questionable for Thursday's game versus the Golden State Warriors. A late addition to the injury report, Banton may need to sit out the front end of Portland's back-to-back on Thursday with a sprained left ankle. The 24-year-old point forward has taken on an expanded role for the 21-58 Blazers down the stretch, averaging 18.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.0 steals, and 2.4 three-pointers over his latest 20 games (seven starts). Scoot Henderson could be relied on for playmaking duties against Golden State, averaging 18.4 points, 8.1 dimes, 3.5 boards, 1.3 swipes, and 2.1 threes across his last 10 outings, and his matchup outlook would also improve significantly if Klay Thompson (knee) sits out on Thursday.
Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (hamstring) is listed as doubtful ahead of Tuesday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans. At this point, the Blazers should rule out Grant for the season. This team isn't going to make the postseason, so they are highly unlikely to put Grant on the floor in a few meaningless games. Jabari Walker and Kris Murray are expected to continue starting at the forward spots until further notice.
Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (hamstring) will remain out of the lineup on Friday versus Washington. He last played on March 11 and will miss a 13th consecutive game due to a hamstring strain. Jabari Walker put in a monster performance on the glass as Grant's replacement in the starting unit on Wednesday versus Charlotte and should be a busy man again on Friday night. Washington has the league's lowest rebounding rate and the third-lowest defensive rating.
Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (hamstring) is listed as doubtful for Friday's game against the Washington Wizards. Grant's right hamstring sprain has kept him out of action for twelve straight games, and it is likely to continue Friday and beyond. Portland started listing Grant as doubtful weeks ago, but he's not suited up once since then. Grant's season may very well be over since the Trail Blazers can only compete for draft lottery picks. Jabari Walker, Dalano Banton, and Kris Murray all experience major minute increases in Grant's absence to provide fantasy value.