Sidy

Cissoko

For the first time since November 19, Cissoko was used in a reserve role, with Shaedon Sharpe reclaiming his place in the starting lineup. However, this did not negatively affect Cissoko’s opportunities, as he played 32 minutes. And the former second-round pick had the best night of his NBA career, recording his first 20-point game. Cissoko still isn’t at the point where he should be rostered in most fantasy leagues. However, he will get his opportunities while the Blazers await the returns of players such as Jrue Holiday, Matisse Thybulle and Scoot Henderson.

It appears all three Trail Blazers are still a ways away from returning to the floor. Scoot has yet to suit up this season, while Holiday has been out almost a month and Thybulle hasn’t played since October. Portland has made it work without Scoot and Jrue by starting Sidy Cissoko and putting the ball in Deni Avdija’s hands, though the return of either would help this rotation tremendously.

While Sharpe once again came off the bench, the fact that he was able to play both games of Portland’s first back-to-back since missing four games due to injury was encouraging. The athletic wing was productive in his 31 minutes, finishing a blocked shot shy of a complete stat line. Sidy Cissoko, who has been the starter, played well in Cleveland, finishing with 11 points, four rebounds, one assist and one three-pointer in 25 minutes. Even with the run of starts, he is not at a point where he needs to be rostered in fantasy leagues.

With Sharpe recently returning to action after missing four games with a strained right calf, there has been some concern about his playing time. Despite coming off the bench again, he logged 30 minutes against the Raptors. That may be a sign that he’s ready to return to the starting lineup soon. However, with the Trail Blazers playing the Cavaliers on Wednesday, a night off may be in the cards for Sharpe. Sidy Cissoko (three points, two rebounds and one three-pointer in 22 minutes) continues to start, but he has not been productive enough to impact fantasy basketball.

Sharpe is good to go after a four-game absence with a strained right calf. His return means Sidy Cissoko will head back to the bench, where his already-low fantasy value takes a hit. Even if Sharpe’s minutes are restricted, there’s no need to roster Cissoko in redraft leagues.

Sharpe has missed Portland’s last four games with a strained right calf. Sidy Cissoko has replaced him in the starting lineup, but has provided limited value in that role. Cissoko is not worth streaming if Sharpe remains out for another game.

Sharpe is set to miss his third game in a row with a strained right calf. The 22-year-old shooting guard is without a clear timetable to return at this point. Sidy Cissoko has started the last two games in Sharpe’s absence and figures to get another start Monday against the Bucks.

Sharpe will miss a second straight game with a strained right calf. While the Trail Blazers have not provided an exact return timeline for the guard, fantasy managers should plan for the possibility that Sharpe will remain out for a bit. Sidy Cissoko started Friday’s win over the Warriors, with him and Caleb Love providing excellent contributions. Look for them to take on similar roles on Sunday.

Holiday and Sharpe will remain out, which will open up opportunities across the roster. Sidy Cissoko and Caleb Love should see extra playing time at guard, while Jerami Grant and Kris Murray should see more run at forward. Deni Avdija should operate as the Blazers’ de facto point guard, and he finished with a 32/11/11 triple-double on Wednesday. Grant should get a boost in offensive usage as one of the team’s go-to scoring options.

Sharpe did not play in Wednesday’s loss to the Bulls. However, it was Sidy Cissoko who received the starting nod, with Kris Murray coming off the bench. Murray offers a higher fantasy ceiling if Sharpe remains out, but neither player is a must-add in this scenario.