Deni Avdija
38Breakdown
Performance
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February 25, 2026
Out again Thursday
Avdija (back) will remain on the inactive list for Thursday's game in Chicago.
Analysis
Thursday will mark Avdija's second straight game on the sidelines, and it's not a great sign that he continues to get ruled out 24 hours in advance of tipoff. Kris Murray, Sidy Cissoko and Matisse Thybulle will continue to pick up the slack in Avdija's absence.
February 24, 2026
Won't play Tuesday
Avdija (back) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against Minnesota.
Analysis
Avdija aggravated a nagging back injury in Sunday's contest, exiting less than a minute into the game, and he'll be sidelined Tuesday as a result. In his absence, Sidy Cissoko is a strong candidate to slide into the starting five. Avdija's next opportunity to return will come Thursday against Chicago.
February 23, 2026
Won't return Sunday
Avdija (back) won't return to Sunday's game against the Suns.
Analysis
Avdija aggravated a preexisting back injury less than a minute into Sunday's game and will not return. Scoot Henderson, Jerami Grant and Sidy Cissoko are candidates for increased minutes with Avdija sidelined. His status for Tuesday's game against the Timberwolves is now in question.
February 23, 2026
Heads to locker room Sunday
Avdija headed to the locker room during Sunday's game against the Suns after appearing to tweak his back, Kellan Olson of ArizonaSports.com reports.
Analysis
Avdija, who came into the game nursing a back injury, appeared to aggravate the injury less than a minute into the game before exiting for the locker room. If he is unable to return, Scoot Henderson, Jerami Grant and Sidy Cissoko could see extra minutes.
February 23, 2026
Available to play
Avdija (back) is available for Sunday's game in Phoenix.
Analysis
Avdija will push through the pain with the back issue and make himself available for Sunday's game. Portland's All-Star is averaging 25.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, 6.8 assists and 2.2 triples per game this season.
February 22, 2026
Questionable for Sunday
Avdija is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Phoenix due to lower-back injury management.
Analysis
Avdija has been dealing with a lingering back injury since mid-January and could be held out of Sunday's contest. If he's ultimately ruled out, Sidy Cissoko and Kris Murray would be candidates for increased playing time. Avdija has appeared in just three outings this month, during which he has averaged 17.3 points, 8.0 assists and 7.7 rebounds in 28.0 minutes per tilt.
February 21, 2026
Teases triple-double against Denver
Avdija contributed 15 points (5-10 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 5-7 FT), eight rebounds and 13 assists across 30 minutes during Friday's 157-103 loss to the Nuggets.
Analysis
The game was never competitive, but Avdija still put together a strong performance as he came a couple of dimes short of his fourth triple-double of the season. The 25-year-old forward sat out the final game before the All-Star break due to a sore back, an issue that's been bothering him since mid-January, but he's remained productive when he's been on the court. Over his last seven appearances dating back to Jan. 18, Avdija is averaging 18.6 points, 7.9 boards, 6.0 assists and 1.4 threes in 27.6 minutes.
