Deni Avdija
41Breakdown
Performance
NewsPowered by
Powered by
January 26, 2026
Won't play Monday
Avdija (back) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Celtics.
Analysis
Avdija will miss his second consecutive contest due to a lower-back strain, though interim head coach Tiago Splitter said the plan is for him to play in the second leg of this back-to-back set Tuesday against the Wizards, per Sean Highkin of Rip City Radio 620 Portland. With the 25-year-old forward unavailable Monday, Sidy Cissoko and Rayan Rupert are candidates to see an uptick in minutes.
January 25, 2026
Questionable for Monday
Avdija (back) is listed as questionable for Monday's game against the Celtics.
Analysis
Avdija is in danger of missing a second consecutive contest due to a lower-back strain he sustained in Thursday's win over the Heat. If the 25-year-old forward is ultimately ruled out, Sidy Cissoko and Rayan Rupert would be candidates for increased minutes.
January 24, 2026
Won't play Friday
Avdija (back) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Raptors, though he will travel with the Trail Blazers for their upcoming three-game road trip, Danny Marang of 1080 The Fan Portland reports.
Analysis
Avdija has been dealing with back tightness of late and was unable to return to Thursday's win over Miami after exiting early in the third quarter. His next opportunity to suit up will come Monday against the Celtics. With the 25-year-old forward unavailable, Sidy Cissoko will enter the starting five, while Rayan Rupert could see increased playing time off the bench.
January 23, 2026
Doubtful Friday
Avdija (back) is doubtful for Friday's game against the Raptors.
Analysis
This is a downgrade after coach Tiago Splitter said Thursday night that the forward would be fine -- he failed to return to the game with 10:03 remaining in the third quarter. With Avdija likely to be sidelined Friday, Jerami Grant could see a bump in usage. More minutes could be available for Sidy Cissoko and Rayan Rupert as well.
January 23, 2026
Expected to play Friday
Head coach Tiago Splitter expects Avdija (back) to play Friday against the Raptors, Joe Freeman of The Oregonian reports.
Analysis
"I think he'll be fine," said Splitter after Thursday's matchup with the Heat. Avdija left the floor early in the third quarter and was spotted receiving attention from the trainer, and he was later ruled out for the remainder of the contest. However, it'll still be worth monitoring Avdija's status leading up to tipoff given the fact that he recently missed time with a back injury.
January 23, 2026
Exits with back issue
Avdija won't return to Thursday's game against the Heat due to a back injury. He'll end the night with 20 points (6-11 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 6-6 FT), seven rebounds and four assists in 18 minutes.
Analysis
Avdija checked out of the game with 10:03 remaining in the third quarter and was later seen wearing a wrap on his back. The team announced shortly after that he wouldn't return the game. Avdija recently returned from a three-game absence due to a lower-back strain, so this is a concerning development.