Chris

Youngblood

Youngblood hasn’t appeared in a game this season. With Ja Morant (hamstring) out, there could be a few minutes available on the back end of Portland’s rotation, but Youngblood would not be worth the risk in fantasy leagues if available.

The continued absences of Youngblood and Carlson will not affect fantasy basketball, as neither is guaranteed rotation minutes when healthy.

Youngblood won’t be a rotation piece for Portland when he is healthy, so his absence won’t open the door for anyone to step up.

Youngblood was one of seven Trail Blazers to score in double figures on Thursday, and he led the team with eight assists. While he’s had some good moments in Las Vegas, the Trail Blazers’ perimeter depth makes it challenging to trust Youngblood in fantasy basketball next season. The two-way deal ensures that he’ll be in training camp, but there isn’t much need to consider Youngblood outside of deep dynasty leagues.

Signed to a two-way contract in March, Youngblood’s place on the Trail Blazers’ roster is relatively secure. He was excellent on Monday, leading six Portland players in double figures with 20 points and shooting 3-of-7 from beyond the arc. Unfortunately for Youngblood, Portland’s perimeter depth will make it challenging for him to get the opportunities needed to move from his two-way deal to a standard contract. He may be worth stashing in deep dynasty leagues, but that’s it.

Youngblood has been signed by Portland from Oklahoma City’s G League affiliate, and he’ll get a chance to play for the shorthanded Blazers in the NBA. Youngblood isn’t worth rostering in fantasy leagues, but managers should keep an eye on him for the final weeks of “silly season.”

Wednesday’s game is the second in as many nights for the Thunder, who took care of the Clippers on Tuesday. As a result, some rotation players, including Caruso, will not play. His absence may lead to legitimate rotation minutes for Brooks Barnhizer and Chris Youngblood, who are both on two-way contracts. Neither is a streaming candidate on an 11-game slate.