The Portland Trail Blazers are gearing up for a tough matchup against the Boston Celtics, and they might have to do it without one of their key contributors. Forward Deni Avdija is once again dealing with a lower back strain - the same issue that sidelined him for three straight games earlier this month. He returned briefly for two contests against Sacramento and Miami, but sat out the most recent game against Toronto, and now his status is officially questionable heading into the Celtics clash.
This isn’t the kind of opponent you want to face shorthanded. Boston’s a team that punishes lapses and thrives on exploiting mismatches, so having Avdija - a versatile wing who can defend multiple positions and contribute offensively - would be a major boost. But with the team taking a cautious approach, his availability likely won’t be determined until closer to tip-off.
The good news for Portland? They’ve shown they can compete even without him.
During Avdija’s earlier absence, the Blazers managed to stay competitive, leaning on a defense that’s been quietly solid and getting timely production from role players who’ve stepped up when needed. That resilience has been a defining trait of this year’s squad.
At 23-23 and sitting ninth in the Western Conference, the Trail Blazers are in the thick of the playoff picture - a notable improvement from last season. They’ve given themselves a real shot to climb the standings, and there’s still a lot of basketball left to be played. Every game matters, especially against a top-tier opponent like Boston, and having a full roster could make all the difference.
If Avdija is able to suit up, it would be a welcome sight for a team that’s been grinding its way through a competitive conference. His presence on both ends of the floor adds balance and flexibility, and the Blazers are simply a better team when he’s in the lineup. But if he needs more time to recover, Portland will once again have to rely on its depth and defensive grit - something they've proven capable of doing.
Either way, this matchup will be a strong litmus test for where the Blazers stand as they push toward the postseason.