Dalano

Banton

Acquired from the Celtics at the February trade deadline (Boston received a trade exception), Banton’s play was one of the few positives for the Trail Blazers last season. In his 30 games with Portland, the 2021 second-round pick averaged 16.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.6 blocks, and 1.9 3-pointers in 29.2 minutes. It should be noted that, by that point in the season, Portland had been decimated by injuries, freeing up additional minutes for Banton. Regardless of how the opportunities came about, he did enough with them to get his contract guaranteed for next season.

Banton moved into the starting unit in place of Scoot Henderson, who sat out the finale. Banton has played really well over the past two months, but he couldn’t get anything going in this game. He missed all 15 of his shots from beyond the arc before he was ejected after picking up a Flagrant 2. It has been an excellent stretch for Banton, and this certainly isn’t the way that he wanted to end the season. Portland can still exercise his option and retain him for about $2 million next season, so he wasn’t fighting for a pay day.

The Trail Blazers’ season comes to a merciful conclusion on Sunday, and only Rupert and Murray have been consistent members of the starting lineup recently. Banton offers the highest upside, while Brown receiving the starting nod is disappointing for those hoping to see Duop Reath in that spot.

It’s unclear why they upgraded Simons to doubtful, but he has officially been ruled out and has been sidelined since March 22nd. Henderson’s rookie season comes to an end one game early, and while it has been a disappointing season overall, he has ended the year on a high note. Scoot will have high expectations in year two. Dalano Banton should start in his place for this game.

These two have been the stars for Portland over the past couple of weeks, since every other rotation player has been injured. If Scoot sits out, Dalano Banton should move into the starting unit in his place. Ayton exited early from their last one, and if he remains out for the season finale, Duop Reath will start in his place.

Banton stepped into a larger role for Portland after the trade deadline, and he has had a number of big performances. This was just another on the list as he had his second 20-point double-double in less than a month. Banton has shown enough to potentially be a rotation piece next season, but he won’t play a large enough role to produce to the level that he has over the past two months. It has been a fun run for Banton, and while he could be a silly season target again next season, there is no reason to have him on your draft board.

Banton missed their last game, but he will make his return to the lineup in this one. He has played a large role over the past two months and had some productive games off the bench. Minaya has taken on a larger role recently, but that hasn’t led to much fantasy production.

Banton missed Thursday’s loss to the Warriors, with Minaya being one player whose minutes increased due to Dalano’s absence. Also, Ashton Hagans entered the rotation, playing 14 minutes off the bench. Portland only played eight players on Thursday, making it likely either Banton or Minaya will be made available.

Banton, a late addition to the injury report, will not play against the Warriors on Thursday. His absence opens up additional minutes for Justin Minaya, who is not worth streaming in any fantasy leagues.

Banton is a late addition to the injury report, and his potential absence would impact active leagues. He’s one of the Trail Blazers who have stepped up to offer consistent fantasy value during the season’s latter stages. If Banton cannot play, Justin Minaya will play additional minutes off the bench.