Rayan

Rupert

A second-round pick of the Trail Blazers in 2023, Rupert was waived earlier this month due to Portland’s need to free up a standard roster spot for Sidy Cissoko. While the former second-round pick is not a player worth rostering in fantasy leagues, he should have opportunities to prove himself due to Memphis’ roster being depleted due to injuries.

Avdija has missed three straight games, but he’s got a chance to return against Washington. If Avdija is ultimately sidelined, Sidy Cissoko, Jerami Grant and Rayan Rupert should pick up the slack using a committee approach.

Shortly after being upgraded to probable, Grant has now been cleared to play against Miami. This is the first night of a back-to-back, so he will likely sit out against Toronto on Friday, but for this game, Sidy Cissoko and Rayan Rupert will lose out on some minutes.

Grant was initially listed as questionable, but he is now expected to play on the first night of this back-to-back. His return should take away minutes from Sidy Cissoko and Rayan Rupert, though Grant will likely be ruled out against Toronto on Friday for the second night of the back-to-back.

Grant will not play after logging 22 minutes off thebench in Saturday’s win over the Lakers. His absence will likely mean more minutes for Sidy Cissoko and Rayan Rupert, with the former having recently been part of the starting lineup.

Initially questionable for Saturday’s game, Grant is trending toward being available. If he plays against the Lakers, fantasy managers should operate under the assumption that the Trail Blazers’ forward won’t be available for Sunday’s game against the Kings. Rayan Rupert will miss out on a boost to his playing time if Grant plays Saturday night.

Grant made his return to the lineup on Thursday, but that doesn’t mean he’s back to full health. This is the first night of a back-to-back, which means he’ll likely miss one of the two games. Rayan Rupert should take on extra minutes off the bench in the game that Grant is out for.

Murray’s production does not affect fantasy basketball when he’s available. His absence will free up some minutes for Caleb Love and Rayan Rupert, with the former offering a higher offensive ceiling. However, neither player is worth streaming as Portland will have its expected starting five available.

Wesley exited Friday’s game during the first half when he appeared to roll his right ankle. However, the Trail Blazers are referring to his issue as a right foot injury. Rayan Rupert has picked up a few minutes in Wesley’s absence, but this does not impact fantasy basketball.

Thybulle injured his left thumb during Wednesday’s win over the Jazz. Further examination revealed a torn UCL, prompting Friday’s surgery. While he does not significantly impact fantasy basketball, Thybulle’s absence may result in a few more minutes for Kris Murray and Rayan Rupert. Neither is worth adding in redraft leagues.