Deni Avdija
40Breakdown
Performance
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January 28, 2026
Double-double in return to lineup
Avdija (back) ended Tuesday's 115-111 loss to the Wizards with 17 points (6-14 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 2-6 FT), 12 rebounds, three assists and one block over 31 minutes.
Analysis
After missing the prior two games due to back trouble, Avdija returned to action against his former club and looked fully healthy en route to notching his 13th double-double of the season. The breakout star has drained at least one three-pointer in every game he's played since the beginning of December, averaging 25.8 points, 7.7 assists, 7.4 boards, 2.1 triples and 1.0 steals over his last 23 contests.
January 27, 2026
Will play Tuesday
Avdija (back) is good to go for Tuesday's game versus the Wizards, Casey Holdahl of the Trail Blazers' official site reports.
Analysis
Avdija is set to return from a two-game stint on the sidelines, which will likely result in Sidy Cissoko heading back to the second unit. There will also be fewer opportunities on offense for Caleb Love with Avdija active.
January 27, 2026
Questionable for Tuesday
Avdija (back) is questionable for Tuesday's game against Washington.
Analysis
Avdija has missed the past two games for Portland, including the front end of this back-to-back set Monday. However, coach Tiago Splitter did say the plan is for the forward to return Tuesday. The questionable tag suggests that he will still need to get through warmups without any setbacks before he is given the green light.
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.