The Portland Trail Blazers are set to take on the Phoenix Suns this Sunday night, and there's a significant question mark hanging over their lineup. Deni Avdija, who’s been a standout performer this season, is listed as questionable due to ongoing low back injury management.
Meanwhile, Yang Hansen has been sent to the G League. As of the latest injury report, Avdija's status is still up in the air, with a decision expected after pre-game warmups.
The Blazers are dealing with several other absences. Damian Lillard is sidelined due to left Achilles tendon injury management, Shaedon Sharpe is nursing a left calf strain, and Caleb Love, like Hansen, is on a G League assignment. Phoenix, on the other hand, has yet to release its official injury report for the game.
Avdija has truly emerged this season, averaging around 25 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.8 assists, while also taking on the role of primary ball-handler. His impressive performances have not gone unnoticed, earning him Western Conference Player of the Week honors in early January. Despite managing a lingering back issue, he’s had multiple 30-point games.
Portland, currently sitting at 27-30, is looking to bounce back from a tough 157-103 loss to Denver, which marked the highest scoring game of the NBA season. Meanwhile, Phoenix, with a 33-24 record and holding seventh place in the West, recently edged out Orlando and has already claimed victory in the first two meetings against Portland this season. With both teams dealing with injuries, Avdija’s presence could be a game-changer at the Mortgage Matchup Center.
As it stands, whether Deni Avdija will hit the court tonight against the Suns remains uncertain. His status is still officially listed as questionable.