Jerami Grant

Dalano Banton led the Blazers with 23 points (8-of-22 FGs), five rebounds, seven assists, one steal and four three-pointers against the Lakers on Sunday.

Banton played well as the starting point guard for Portland over their final seven games of the season. During this stretch as a starter, he has scored at least 20 points four times. He was also able to match his season-high of 23 points, which he has done a surprising four times this season without ever scoring more. Banton has benefitted from the absences of Anfernee Simons and Scoot Henderson, and he is set to be a free agent this summer. He could find a new team where he can be the backup point guard, but it will be difficult for him to find a situation where he can start.

Dalano Banton led the Blazers with 23 points (8-of-22 FGs), five rebounds, seven assists, one steal and four three-pointers against the Lakers on Sunday.

Banton played well as the starting point guard for Portland over their final seven games of the season. During this stretch as a starter, he has scored at least 20 points four times. He was also able to match his season-high of 23 points, which he has done a surprising four times this season without ever scoring more. Banton has benefitted from the absences of Anfernee Simons and Scoot Henderson, and he is set to be a free agent this summer. He could find a new team where he can be the backup point guard, but it will be difficult for him to find a situation where he can start.

Donovan Clingan recorded a double-double on Sunday with 12 points (6-of-10 FGs, 0-of-4 FTs), 12 rebounds, three assists, one steal and two blocks in a 109-81 win over the Lakers.

Clingan closed out his rookie season on a high note by posting the eighth double-double of his young career. He has proven that he can be an effective player in a starting role, but it’s unclear what the rotation will look like in Portland next season. Deandre Ayton figures to be the starting center as long as he is with the Trail Blazers, and there hasn’t been any indication that they intend to move on. Clingan likely won’t be worth drafting next season if Ayton is on the roster.

LeBron James (groin) is probable to play against the Timberwolves in Game 1 on Saturday.

Nikola Jovic (hand) and Pelle Larsson (ankle) have been upgraded to available to play against the Hawks on Friday.

Both players were upgraded to probable Friday afternoon and have officially been cleared to suit up. Jovic has been out since February 23, while Larsson was made available to play against the Bulls on Tuesday but didn’t see the floor. It’s unclear how much either player will play, but they will both be available if needed.

Tyler Smith (ankle) has been ruled out for Game 1 against the Pacers on Saturday.

Smith played in the regular season finale after missing the previous game with an ankle injury. He is back on the injury report after scoring a career-high 20 points against the Pistons. However, he didn’t play much during the regular season and certainly wouldn’t have had much of an opportunity in a postseason game.