Portland

Trail Blazers

Williams is back after missing Saturday’s loss to the Spurs. His return strengthens Portland’s center rotation and leaves fewer minutes for Yang Hansen.

Unfortunately for fantasy managers who believed a move into the starting lineup would improve Henderson’s value, he hasn’t delivered. Since Ja Morant (hamstring) went down in an October 29 loss to the Grizzlies, Scoot’s category-league value has ranked outside the top-300 in nine-cat formats. Unsurprisingly, Jrue Holiday (11 points, one steal and one three-pointer) has been far more valuable, regardless of league format. Portland plays three games next week, starting with a home back-to-back against the Thunder on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Lillard’s streak of games with at least 20 points ended at four on Saturday, with the veteran point guard also attempting a season-low eight shots from the field. Lillard shot a solid percentage from the field, but many expected more, especially with Ja Morant (hamstring) sidelined. The good news is that Lillard played both games of Portland’s back-to-back. Saturday’s game was a blowout, so he played only 20 minutes.

Avdija led the Trail Blazers in points and field-goal attempts on Saturday, but the overall stat line was underwhelming. Deni didn’t shoot well from the field and recorded just one assist. Surprisingly, Avdija’s fantasy value has slipped after Ja Morant’s hamstring injury. Over the last five games, he sits just outside the top-200 in nine-cat formats. Avdija will look to contribute more when Portland hosts Oklahoma City on Tuesday.

There’s no such thing as “garbage time"; those minutes are vital for non-rotation players looking to give their coaches a reason to call their name when the stakes are higher. While Yang’s showing against the Spurs is unlikely to make him a fixture in the Trail Blazers’ rotation, it was a step forward. The former first-round pick recorded his first double-double, establishing new career highs in points and rebounds. As good as it was to see him perform well, Yang should still be rostered only in dynasty leagues.

Morant, who suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain during an October 29 loss to the Grizzlies, was to be re-evaluated towards the end of November. However, according to Nori, a doctor in Los Angeles evaluated Morant and gave him a positive outlook on the injury. That’s good news for those rostering the athletic point guard, who was fitting in well with his new teammates at the time of the injury. Scoot Henderson will start until Morant is healthy enough to play.

Lillard, who missed all of last season recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon, is available for the second game of Portland’s back-to-back, which is great news for fantasy managers. He played 37 minutes in Friday’s loss to the Lakers, so the question now is how much Lillard will play against the Spurs. Fantasy managers should anticipate a slight decrease in minutes, but not to the level where he shouldn’t be in active lineups.

Williams has only missed one game this season, but he’ll sit out Saturday against the Spurs to rest. Yang Hansen and Micah Potter should fill in the backup center minutes off the bench.

Despite being low on the Trail Blazers’ offensive pecking order, Camara has provided consistent value this season. He’s scored at least nine points in all eight games, cracking double figures in seven. Against the Lakers, Camara hit four three-pointers, the fifth time this season he’s made at least that many in a game. Surprisingly, there was no defensive production to speak of, but those rostering Camara should be pleased with the reliable offensive output.

Clingan seems to be hitting his stride after an inconsistent start to the season. The 7-foot-2 center has recorded a double-double in three straight games, and he shot 3-of-5 from beyond the arc against the Lakers. Over the last week, Clingan has provided second-round value in nine-cat formats. However, his final game of the week will offer a significant challenge, as the Trail Blazers host the Spurs on Saturday.