Rayan

Rupert

Avdija was initially doubtful for Sunday’s game, while Sharpe was questionable. Deni was one of the revelations of the fantasy basketball season, especially after moving into the starting lineup just after Christmas. From December 28 onward, he was a top-60 player in eight-cat formats. As for Sharpe, he remains a superior option for points league formats than category leagues, but his value increased after a knee injury sidelined Jerami Grant in early March. Kris Murray and Rayan Rupert should play significant minutes for Sunday’s season finale.

McGowens, who’s on a two-way contract, will miss Sunday’s season finale with a fractured rib. His absence does not impact fantasy basketball but ensures that Rayan Rupert plays extended minutes off the bench.

Grant remains out for Friday’s game, and it would be surprising if he played on Sunday. Shaedon Sharpe has been his replacement in the starting lineup, but he’s questionable for Friday. If Sharpe also sits, Rayan Rupert and Kris Murray are the most likely options to fill the void.

Wednesday’s performance was the best of Rupert’s NBA career, with the second-year wing notching a new career-high point total. His previous high was 14, recorded on November 1 against the Thunder. Rupert has not been a fantasy asset during his first two seasons, but the improved playing time makes him worthy of a look in active leagues as Portland plays its final two games. The Blazers host Golden State on Friday.

Henderson wasn’t initially on the injury report for this game, but he has been added with the same quad contusion that was giving him problems about a week ago. With Dalano Banton also questionable, it’s unclear who will be available as the team’s backup point guard for this game. It’s possible that the role falls to Rayan Rupert if both Scoot and Banton are sidelined.

Murray has missed Portland’s last two games with a bruised sternum, leaving the Blazers shorthanded within their bench rotation. While his absence hasn’t impacted fantasy basketball, Rayan Rupert played more rotation minutes on Wednesday against the Pacers. Rupert isn’t worth streaming.

Murray will miss a second straight game, freeing up minutes for Rayan Rupert. While Rupert played extended minutes in Monday’s blowout loss to the Grizzlies, it isn’t enough to make him relevant in most fantasy leagues.

Murray missed their last game, which opened the door for Rayan Rupert and Jabari Walker to play 20+ minutes off the bench in a blowout loss. If Murray remains out, both guys will see extra minutes if the score gets lopsided, though they likely won’t play enough to be worth consideration for a streaming spot, especially on day with 14 games.

If there was a positive for Portland to take from Friday’s game, which got out of hand during the third quarter, it was Rupert’s play. The second-year wing established new career-highs in points and 3-pointers while recording a steal and a blocked shot. Rupert isn’t at the point where fantasy managers can rely on his for consistent production, but he’s someone who may have added value during the silly season.

Rupert, who took on a limited role within the Blazers’ rotation late last season, shot the ball well in Saturday’s defeat. While he was also responsible for five turnovers, the second-year wing played with an aggressiveness rarely present during his rookie campaign. Rupert isn’t a lock to be in a position to offer consistent fantasy value in 2024-25, but he’s worth keeping an eye on for the remainder of the summer.