Simons notched 27 points (9-18 FG, 6-14 3Pt, 3-4 FT), three rebounds, seven assists, one block and one steal in 38 minutes during Wednesday's 104-92 loss to the Heat.

EDGE Analysis

Simons was one of Portland's best players once again and the speedy guard continues to thrive with Damian Lillard (abdomen) sidelined. Embracing a bigger load on offense and taking control of the playmaking has done wonders for the fourth-year pro, who is averaging 26.3 points per game since moving into the starting lineup eight games ago.

Simons closed Saturday's 115-110 win over the Wizards with 31 points (11-21 FG, 7-14 3Pt, 2-3 FT), 11 assists and two steals across 40 minutes.

EDGE Analysis

The loss of Damian Lillard (abdomen) is a tough break for Portland, but Simons' play as the team's floor general has exponentially lessened the blow. Since inheriting the full-time role, Simons has averaged 28.3 points, 8.2 assists and 2.7 rebounds over a six-game span. CJ McCollum (chest) is expected to return next week, but his re-insertion in the lineup should not affect Simons' playing time.

Simons (personal) isn't on the injury report for Saturday's game against the Wizards, Casey Holdahl of the Trail Blazers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Simons missed Thursday's game against the Nuggets due to personal reasons, but he should be back in action against Washington. The 22-year-old should continue to handle a starting role since Damian Lillard (abdomen) is slated to miss several weeks.

Simons has been ruled out for Thursday's game at Denver due to personal reasons, Jamie Hudson of KOIN 6 News Portland reports.

EDGE Analysis

Simons has started the past five games with Damian Lillard (abdomen) sidelined and averaged 27.8 points, 3.2 rebounds and 7.6 assists in 36.8 minutes, but he'll now be unavailable for Thursday's contest. Lillard is out six to eight weeks and CJ McCollum (chest) remains unavailable so Dennis Smith is likely to run the point for Portland until Simons can return.

Simons closed Monday's 114-108 victory over Brooklyn with 23 points (10-24 FG, 2-11 3Pt, 1-2 FT), six rebounds and 11 assists in 38 minutes.

EDGE Analysis

Three Portland starters finished with 20-plus points, and Simons led the way with 23. It marked the fourth time he has surpassed the 20-point mark in five games since entering the starting lineup Jan. 3. Simons also notched a career-best 11 assists Monday, and his fantasy stock is rocketing with talk about Damian Lillard (abdomen) potentially being out for an extended period.

Simons ended Sunday's 103-88 victory over the Kings with 31 points (10-17 FG, 7-11 3Pt, 4-4 FT), three rebounds and six assists in 35 minutes.

EDGE Analysis

Simons made his fourth straight start in place of Damian Lillard (abdomen) and is averaging 29.0 points, 6.8 assists and 2.5 rebounds in 36.5 minutes per game during those contests. It's unclear how much time Lillard will miss, but Simons is expected to be the primary beneficiary if the six-time All-Star faces an extended absence. The 2018 first-round pick will look to continue his strong play against the Nets on Monday.

Simons ended with 14 points (6-15 FG, 2-8 3Pt), three rebounds, seven assists, one block and one steal in 34 minutes during Friday's 114-101 loss to the Cavaliers.

EDGE Analysis

Making a third straight start in place of Damian Lillard (abdomen), Simons didn't have an overly impressive shooting night, but he still salvaged a solid fantasy line with the seven assists and defensive contributions. The 2018 first-round pick has been very much up-and-down over the last few seasons, but with Lillard set to potentially miss extended time over the second half of the year, Simons could be positioned for a breakout.

Simons notched 28 points (9-17 FG, 5-10 3Pt, 5-5 FT), one rebound, seven assists and two steals in 39 minutes during Wednesday's 115-109 loss to the Heat.

EDGE Analysis

For the second straight game, Simons found himself in the starting lineup due to the absence of Damian Lillard (abdomen). Just as in the previous contest, the fourth-year guard seized the opportunity by leading Portland in both points and assists. Simons is averaging 35.5 points and 7.0 dimes over the pair of games, so it makes sense to see him as a short-term fantasy target for as long as Lillard remains out. For the moment, that projects to be only two games, but the star point guard could certainly be out longer if he continues to battle the abdominal issue.

Simons finished Monday's 136-131 victory over the Hawks with 43 points (13-21 FG, 9-16 3Pt, 8-8 FT), three rebounds and seven assists over 38 minutes.

EDGE Analysis

The Blazers played the contest without Damian Lillard (abdomen) and CJ McCollum (chest), leaving plenty of opportunity for others to shine. Simons took advantage of his fourth start of the campaign to go off for a career-best point total, relying largely on shots from beyond the arc, where he went an impressive 9-for-16. Simons had tallied double-digit points just once in his past five games heading into the contest, so it may be unwise to rush to grab him off the fantasy waiver wire. However, the fourth-year guard at least proved Monday that he deserves some consideration in games for which Lillard and McCollum are both out.

Simons will start Monday against the Hawks, Jay Allen of NBC Sports Northwest Rip City Radio 620 reports.

EDGE Analysis

Simons gets the nod in place of Damian Lillard, who is being held out due to an abdominal injury. The former first-round pick has finished in double figures in two of his three starts this season, though his best scoring performance of the season came Dec. 12 off the bench (26 points).