Deni Avdija Exits Early with Back Injury as Blazers Roll Past Shorthanded Heat
Portland’s rising star Deni Avdija left Wednesday night’s matchup against the Miami Heat early after tweaking his lower back - an all-too-familiar issue for the 6-foot-8 forward, who recently missed three games earlier this month with a similar injury. The team quickly ruled him out for the remainder of the game.
The injury occurred midway through the third quarter while Avdija was defending Heat forward Andrew Wiggins. Wiggins attempted a quick change of direction near the perimeter, and as Avdija slid laterally to stay in front, he reached immediately for his lower left back - a clear sign something wasn’t right. He was subbed out shortly after and didn’t return, though he remained on the bench alongside teammate and close friend Duop Reath, which may suggest the injury isn’t overly severe.
Before the setback, Avdija was putting together another strong performance in what’s become a breakout season. In just 18 minutes of action, he poured in 20 points on 6-of-11 shooting, including 2-of-5 from deep. He also added seven rebounds and four assists - a stat line that speaks to his all-around impact on both ends of the floor.
Through the halfway mark of the season, Avdija has been Portland’s clear engine. He entered the night averaging 26.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game, shooting a solid 47.0% from the field, 35.5% from beyond the arc, and 80.4% from the free-throw line. Those numbers don’t just scream "most improved" - they’re knocking on the door of All-Star weekend and even whispering All-NBA consideration.
Portland didn’t miss a beat in his absence, though. The Blazers controlled the game from the jump, especially from beyond the arc, and cruised to a blowout win over a depleted Miami squad.
The Heat were without several key contributors, including Davion Mitchell, Kel’el Ware, and Tyler Herro, and it showed. With the win, Portland pulled even with Miami in the standings, with both teams sitting at 23-22 through 45 games.
For the Blazers, the hope now is that Avdija’s back issue is more of a precautionary exit than a sign of something lingering. He’s been the heart of this team’s resurgence - a dynamic playmaker, versatile defender, and steady leader.
If he’s healthy, Portland’s ceiling remains high. But if the back tightness becomes a recurring issue, it could be a storyline to watch as the playoff race heats up.