After a loss to the Warriors on Tuesday, the Trail Blazers are 19-22 this season. That is currently ninth in the Western Conference. Portland is 7-3 in its last 10 games.
In 2025-26, Deni Avdija has started 40 of 41 games for the Blazers. Against the Knicks on Sunday, Avdija injured his lower back. The 25-year-old missed his first game of the season on Tuesday vs. the Warriors. Portland is home on Thursday evening to face the Hawks. Unfortunately, the team is expected to be without Deni Avdija due to lower back soreness.
The Trail Blazers will likely not have Deni Avdija in the lineup on Thursday
INJURY REPORT 1/15 vs. ATL
OUT:
Scoot Henderson -L Hamstring tear
Damian Lillard – L Achilles Tendon
Kris Murray – Lumbar strain
Matisse Thybulle – R Knee Tendinopathy
Blake Wesley – R Foot fractureDOUBTFUL:
Deni Avdija – Lower Back soreness (from carrying the team on his…— SleeperTrailBlazers (@SleeperBlazers) January 15, 2026
Ahead of the 2024-25 season, the Wizards traded with the Trail Blazers. In the deal, Deni Avdija was sent to Portland. He was formerly the ninth overall pick by Washington in the 2020 NBA draft. Avdija spent the four seasons of his professional career with the Wizards. In his first season with the Blazers, Deni Avdija averaged 16.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. He played in 72 of their 82 games and made 54 starts.
In 2025-26, Deni Avdija has started all 40 games he’s appeared in for Portland. The SF is having a breakout season in year six. His 26.1 points, 6.9 assists, and 35.4 minutes per game are all new career-highs. He’s been stuffing the stat sheet on a nightly basis and has two triple-doubles this season. Against the Knicks on Sunday, Deni Avdija suffered a minor lower back injury.
Deni Avdija on his back injury from tonight:
"I'm not really concerned," Avdija said in the locker room after an extended treatment session with the team's medical staff. "I'm a tough guy. I'm going to be alright."
Glad you’re okay Deni 🙏🏽🔥#RipCity pic.twitter.com/Dezg4ccgfF
— RIPCITYY🌹 (@shaesharpeshow) January 12, 2026
The 25-year-old was forced to miss his first game of the season on Tuesday. On the team’s latest injury report, Deni Avdija is listed as doubtful to play vs. the Hawks on Thursday. There’s a strong chance he doesn’t play vs. Atlanta. As of Thursday, January 15, Portland’s Deni Avdija is favored to win Most Improved Player of the Year in 2025-26.
Additionally, Deni Avdija might be voted a first-time all-star this season. He’s been playing at a dominant level for the Blazers. Avdija has been their best player each game. When Deni Avdija was out on Tuesday, rookie SG Caleb Love made the first start of his professional career. Against the Hawks, interim head coach Tiago Splitter could turn to love again. Deni Avdija could return as soon as Saturday for the Blazers when they face the Lakers or Sunday vs. the Kings.
