Blazers Riding High in January, But Injuries Loom Ahead of Raptors Matchup
Don’t look now, but the Portland Trail Blazers are quietly putting together one of the best runs in the league this month. At 9-2 in January, they’ve been the surprise of 2026 so far - playing with grit, resilience, and just enough firepower to climb back into the Western Conference playoff picture. Next up: a home matchup against the Toronto Raptors, tipping off at 7:00 PM PST at the Moda Center.
But as has become a theme for Portland this season, they’ll be heading into this one shorthanded. Eight players are listed on the injury report, including a few key names who’ve played central roles in the Blazers’ recent surge.
The most notable? Deni Avdija, who re-aggravated a lower back strain during Portland’s 127-110 win over the Miami Heat.
Avdija’s Status in Doubt
Avdija is officially listed as doubtful, which typically isn’t a good sign - but there’s a silver lining. The team hasn’t ruled him out entirely, which suggests the injury may not be long-term.
Head coach Tiago Splitter even said after the Miami game that he expected Avdija to suit up against Toronto. Still, with back issues, caution is the name of the game, especially for a player who’s become a key two-way contributor.
That Miami win was the first time since November 14 that Portland had its trio of Avdija, Jrue Holiday, and Jerami Grant on the floor together. It was a short-lived reunion, but it offered a tantalizing glimpse of what this roster could look like at full strength. Whether or not Avdija is available tonight could swing the balance in what figures to be a tightly contested game.
Portland’s Full Injury Report
Here’s where the Blazers stand heading into the matchup:
- Deni Avdija - Doubtful (Lower Back Strain)
- Duop Reath - Questionable (Right Foot Soreness)
- Robert Williams III - Questionable (Left Knee Injury Management)
- Scoot Henderson - Out (Left Hamstring Tear)
- Damian Lillard - Out (Left Achilles Tendon)
- Kris Murray - Out (Lumbar Strain)
- Matisse Thybulle - Out (Right Knee Tendinopathy)
- Blake Wesley - Out (Right Foot Fracture)
That’s a long list, and it underscores just how impressive Portland’s recent run has been. They’ve been winning games without some of their most dynamic players - including Henderson, who had started to find his rhythm before the hamstring tear, and Lillard, whose Achilles injury has kept him sidelined for most of the campaign.
If Reath and Williams III can give it a go, that would be a big boost to Portland’s frontcourt depth, especially against a Raptors team that likes to play physical in the paint.
Toronto’s Injury Picture
The Raptors aren’t at full strength either, though they’ve managed to stay near the top of the Eastern Conference standings. At 27-19, they’re sitting in 4th place - a testament to their depth and defensive identity. But they’ve been missing a key piece as well: RJ Barrett.
Barrett, who’s been out since January 9 with a left ankle sprain, has been upgraded to questionable. That’s a major development for Toronto. His return would give them a much-needed scoring punch on the wing, especially with Jakob Poeltl still out due to a lower back strain.
Here’s Toronto’s full injury report:
- RJ Barrett - Questionable (Left Ankle Sprain)
- Collin Murray-Boyles - Questionable (Left Thumb Contusion)
- Chucky Hepburn - Out (G League - Two-Way)
- Jakob Poeltl - Out (Lower Back Strain)
- Ja’Kobe Walter - Out (Right Hip Pointer)
Poeltl’s absence continues to be felt, especially on the glass and as a rim protector. It’s part of the reason Toronto is reportedly exploring frontcourt help ahead of the trade deadline - they need a more reliable option in the middle, especially if they’re looking to make a deep postseason run.
Two Teams, Same Mission
What makes this matchup so intriguing is how similar these two teams are. Both are navigating the challenges of rebuilding while still competing.
Both are dealing with injuries to cornerstone players. And both are showing they might be further along in their development than many expected.
Portland sits at 23-22, good for 9th in the West. Toronto, meanwhile, is 27-19 and holding strong in the East. With two rosters built around young talent, savvy veterans, and evolving chemistry, this game could come down to who’s available - and who steps up when it matters most.
If Avdija plays, Portland gets a big lift. If Barrett returns, Toronto suddenly looks a lot more dangerous. Either way, this is a measuring-stick game for both squads - a chance to prove they’re not just surviving the season, but building something real.
We’ll keep an eye on the final injury updates as tip-off approaches.