Nolan Smith and Will Barton are expected to rejoin the Blazers before Thursday's game against the Heat. Both players are currently participating in the D-League showcase and aren't expected to spend extended time in the D-League.

Nolan Smith has been assigned to the Blazer's D-League affiliate. It's the first time Smith has been sent to join the Idaho Stampede. He has fallen way behind Ronnie Price to be Damian Lillard's backup and has no value in fantasy leagues.

Nolan Smith returned to action on Wednesday December 26.

Nolan Smith (upper respiratory infection) will return to the lineup Wednesday. Smith missed three games with the illness, but is a non-option given his limited minutes and role with the Blazers.

Nolan Smith (upper respiratory infection) will not play on Saturday. Smith is playing just 8.8 minutes per game and has no value while the Blazers are healthy.

Nolan Smith (illness) did not participate in shootaround on Thursday. The backup guard sounds very iffy for Thursday's game. Smith has appeared in 15 games this season, averaging 2.5 points per game.

Nolan Smith returned to action on Wednesday December 19.

Nolan Smith (illness) missed his second straight practice Wednesday. Smith's status for Thursday's game against the Nuggets is uncertain, but he offers little to no fantasy impact.

Nolan Smith sat out Tuesday's practice due to illness. He has two days to recover before Thursday's game, but his availability won't impact fantasy owners.

Nolan Smith, Joel Freeland, Will Barton and Victor Claver could all see time in the D-League. In a larger sense, it speaks to the ineptitude of the Blazers bench and how bad they've been. Smith is looking like a draft bust, and both Freeland and Claver haven't given the team anything this year. Barton has looked good in limited run, but all four guys could use more experience.