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During Portland's recent impressive run of 10 wins out of 11 games, Deandre Ayton showcased his best performance since joining the Trail Blazers. Over his last 10 games, Ayton has been averaging 17.1 points on 57.3% shooting per game, pulling down 10.2 rebounds, and blocking 1.2 shots on average.

Now, Ayton is out for at least a month with a calf strain,

the Trail Blazers announced

. The left calf injury happened in Portland's game against Denver on Monday night.

Ayton's injury, a sprained ankle to Scoot Henders (who also had been on a roll), plus a couple of tough losses have dampened the postseason enthusiasm in Portland. The Trail Blazers are 4.5 games out of the final play-in spot in the West and to get into the play-in would have to leapfrog at least two of Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs, Kevin Durant and the Suns, Stephen Curry and the Warriors, and the Sacramento Kings.

Ayton is the most expensive player on the Trail Blazers roster, making Ayton $34 million this season plus is owed $35.5 million next season. This recent run of play might have boosted Ayton's offseason trade value, but this injury — fitting in with a history of health concerns — will give teams pause.