Shaedon

Sharpe

Sharpe has scored 21 points or more in four of his last five games, with Friday’s blowout loss to the Rockets being the exception. Like Jerami Grant, limited production in assists, rebounds, and the defensive categories negatively impact Sharpe’s fantasy ceiling. But he’s in a position within the Blazers rotation where he will log heavy minutes due to the team’s lack of shooting guards.

Friday was a night to forget for Sharpe and the Trail Blazers, who likely saw their chances of advancing out of the Emirates NBA Cup group stage go up in flames in Houston. While he has been putting up points since returning from injury, Sharpe’s inconsistent production in other categories relegates him to deep-category/points league status. Hopefully, two-steal nights like his one on Friday can become the norm.

Sharpe didn’t have at least 30 points like he did in his last two games without Anfernee Simons, but he still had 21 points and made 4-of-8 attempts from behind the 3-point line. He turned the ball over six times in 38 minutes, which is certainly a drag on his fantasy output. Still, streamers can’t really complain about the production they’ve received from Sharpe over the last few games. His value will certainly take a hit when Simons and Deandre Ayton eventually return for Portland.

With Anfernee Simons and Deandre Ayton out for Portland again, Sharpe had another game with at least 30 points. His 32 points were a game-high and he could’ve had more, objectively. Sharpe was 11-of-21 from the field and only 7-of-12 from the free throw line. Still, he was +8 in 31 minutes in the three-point win. He’s now hit his ceiling twice while Portland has been down two of its stars, but ultimately he’ll have a lesser role when Simons and Ayton return.

Sharpe’s 33 points were a game-high. He took 23 shots, made 3-of-10 attempts from behind the 3-point line, and was -4 in 36 minutes in the eight-point victory. Sharpe took on a greater scoring role while the Trail Blazers were without Deandre Ayton and Anfernee Simons. This was a ceiling game for Sharpe, who will have a lesser role as Portland gets some of their starters back.

Sharpe made his season debut on Thursday after missing time with a shoulder injury, and Avdija took the most significant hit regarding playing time. The decision to move Sharpe into the starting lineup is unsurprising due to Portland’s lack of options at shooting guard. While this raises his fantasy ceiling, Avdija’s value takes a hit.

Sharpe made his season debut Thursday, logging his first game action since January 11. Despite the long layoff, he’ll be available for the second game of Portland’s back-to-back set. Sharpe played 20 minutes Thursday, and a similar workload could be on tap against the Timberwolves.

Sharpe made his season debut on Thursday and looked sharp in his 20 minutes on the floor. While the full impact of his return on the rest of the rotation isn’t fully known yet, Sharpe’s presence meant fewer minutes for starter Deni Avdija. Playing 25 minutes, Avdija finished with nine points, seven rebounds, five assists, and one 3-pointer. Meanwhile, fellow starter Toumani Camara played 35. Due to Portland’s lack of shooting guards and Camara’s defensive ability, it may be Avdija whose value takes the most significant hit with Sharpe back in action. Fantasy managers should consider Sharpe questionable for Friday’s game against Minnesota.

Thursday’s game will be Sharpe’s first since January 11, and he will come off the bench. Fantasy managers should not expect too much from the Blazers wing early on, but the minutes of starters Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara will be worth tracking.

Injured in early October, Sharpe has not appeared in a game this season. However, that could change as soon as Thursday night. Fantasy managers should expect Sharpe’s minutes to be restricted early, but his return will impact multiple wings. Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara could lose minutes despite being starters, while reserves Rayan Rupert and Kris Murray will also be affected.