Portland Trail Blazers guard Dalano Banton has been downgraded to questionable for Thursday’s game versus the Golden State Warriors due to a sprained left ankle. The 24-year-old point forward has been playing a key role for the Blazers, averaging 18.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.0 steals, and 2.4 three-pointers over his latest 20 games. With Banton’s status uncertain, Scoot Henderson could be relied on for playmaking duties against Golden State.

In other player news, Dereck Lively II is expected to miss more time, while Cameron Johnson is questionable against the Knicks. Jaren Jackson Jr. will not play Friday, and Kyle Kuzma is also out again on Friday. Additionally, Gary Payton II is out on Thursday, and Brandon Clarke will not play against the Lakers. Naji Marshall is back for the Pelicans on Thursday, but Bruce Brown is listed as questionable for Friday’s game. Gary Trent Jr. is questionable for the meeting with the Heat, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is likely to suit up on Friday.

Switching gears to real-time fantasy news, in MLB, Astros’ Justin Verlander won’t be rushed back, and Mason Miller locked down his second save. Jose Altuve picked up three hits on Thursday, and Bobby Witt Jr. had a monster day at the plate. However, Brandon Lowe is heading to the injured list with an oblique strain, and Rafael Devers is still bothered by a shoulder issue. Vaughn Grissom is starting a rehab assignment on Friday, and Eloy Jimenez could return this weekend. Nathaniel Lowe is also set to start a rehab assignment on Friday, and the Cardinals activated Lars Nootbaar from the injured list. On the other hand, Rafael Devers is sitting out on Thursday, and Cody Bradford is expected to stick in the Rangers’ rotation. Additionally, Framber Valdez is feeling better, and David Bednar is in line for a save chance on Thursday. Shohei Ohtani’s ex-interpreter is facing federal charges, and Evan Carter is resting against a lefty. Jose Abreu is sitting out Thursday, and Brent Rooker is also resting against a lefty.