Ashton

Hagans

Henderson was one of six Blazers in double figures on Saturday and tied for the team lead in assists with six. Turnovers (four) and foul trouble were issues for the rookie against the Nuggets, but the overall production was solid. One has to assume that Henderson will surpass 30 minutes consistently moving forward, provided he avoids foul trouble. Anfernee Simons (knee) will undergo an MRI on Sunday to determine the severity of the injury he suffered on Friday. However, regardless of the results, Henderson will figure prominently in the rotation for the rest of the season. Ashton Hagans, whose minutes increased due to Henderson’s foul trouble, chipped in with two points, four rebounds, six assists, one steal, and two blocks in 21 minutes off the bench.

A late addition to the injury report, Simons has been cleared to play in Wednesday’s game. He will take on his usual starting role, with Ashton Hagans set to serve as one of the backups on the perimeter.

Simons wasn’t on the initial injury report, but he has been added this afternoon. Ashton Hagans (G-League) is now questionable as well, which means that he will likely only suit up if Hagans doesn’t. Scoot Henderson and Dalano Banton should both play extra minutes if Simons is ruled out.

Henderson has not appeared in a game since February 15, although he did appear in the Rising Stars Challenge during All-Star Weekend. After Wednesday’s game against the Thunder, Portland plays home games against Houston (Friday) and Toronto (Saturday). Henderson’s potential return would impact Ashton Hagans and Dalano Banton, with the latter starting Monday’s loss to the Timberwolves. Banton is worth streaming until Scoot is cleared to play.

While Anfernee Simons is available and logging heavy minutes as a starter, injuries suffered by Scoot Henderson and Malcolm Brogdon have freed up minutes in the backcourt. Hagans, who was upgraded to a two-way contract on February 22, has been allowed to contribute, and he had his best game as an NBA player on Saturday. Recording a full stat line, the undrafted rookie established season-highs in points, rebounds, assists, and steals. Hagans will need to clean up the turnovers (six), but he’s worth watching ahead of the “silly season,” especially with Henderson and Brogdon sidelined.

Hagans, who began the season with Portland’s G League affiliate, agreed to a 10-day contract on February 8. He’s appeared in four games for the Trail Blazers, averaging 2.8 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 15.0 minutes. His new contract will not impact fantasy basketball in the short term, but there could be more opportunities for Hagans to play during the stretch run.

Simons and Reath were initially listed as questionable, while Scoot was questionable. Simons missed their last game, while Reath and Scoot had missed their last two. The return of Simons will push Ashton Hagans back to the bench, while both Reath and Scoot will play large roles as reserves.

Simons and Reath are expected to be back after being sidelined in their last game. Ashton Hagans started at point guard in their last one, but he will be pushed to the bench. Reath should fill out the reserve center spot behind Deandre Ayton.

After sitting out two games due to illness, Brogdon is dealing with a more severe injury. He’ll miss at least two weeks, but that may not mean much regarding actual game time. The All-Star break begins on Friday, so it’s conceivable that Brogdon will be re-evaluated just before the start of Week 18. Portland plays four games during Week 17. With Anfernee Simons (ankle) and Scoot Henderson (foot) also sidelined, fantasy managers will see a lot of Matisse Thybulle, Ashton Hagans, and Dalano Banton in the immediate future.

Portland played Saturday’s game without Anfernee Simons, Malcolm Brogdon, and Scoot Henderson, which opened up minutes on the perimeter. Ashton Hagans (5/2/4/1/1 in 23 minutes) and Matisse Thybulle (7/2/1/2 with one 3-pointer in 29 minutes) were the starters, but Banton was the most impactful as a scorer. Making his Trail Blazers debut, he reached double figures for the second time this season while also dishing out three assists. Banton’s fantasy value moving forward will depend on the availability of Simons, Brogdon, and Henderson, which can also be said for Hagans and Thybulle. Leave Saturday’s replacements on the waiver wire.