Banton won't be available to play for the first outing since Dec. 30 while he tends to a personal matter. The 25-year-old guard has provided a spark off the bench this season, and his next chance to feature will come Sunday against the Pistons.

Even though Banton was traded to Portland last season and missed the Celtics' championship run, he said he was pleased with how the situation worked out anyway

Portland Trail Blazers forwards Deni Avdija and Jerami Grant are listed as questionable for Friday’s game at the Oklahoma City Thunder. Avdija left Wednesday night’s 128-118 loss at Boston in the fourth quarter with a left quad injury.

The Portland Trail Blazers gained the lead five minutes in and never trailed the rest of the way, running away from Brooklyn 121-102 on Friday night.

Shaedon Sharpe scored 25 points, Dalano Banton had 14 of his 23 points in the fourth quarter, and the Portland Trail Blazers cruised to a 121-102 victory over the Brooklyn Nets

Seven Blazers scored in double figures, led by guard Shaedon Sharpe. He scored 25 on 9-of-14 shooting to follow up his career-high 36 points during Wednesday night’s win at the Washington Wizards.

On Sunday afternoon, the streaking Portland Trail Blazers take on the elite Cleveland Cavaliers in NBA action.

NEW YORK — Shaedon Sharpe scored 25 points, Dalano Banton had 14 of his 23 points in the fourth quarter, and the Portland Trail Blazers cruised to a 121-102 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on ...

Shaedon Sharpe scored 25 points, Dalano Banton had 14 of his 23 points in the fourth quarter, and the Portland Trail Blazers cruised to a 121-102