The Portland Trail Blazers are heading into Saturday’s matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers with a roster that’s looking more like a triage unit than a game-day rotation.
Deni Avdija, who’s been a steady presence for the Blazers this season, is listed as doubtful with a lower back strain. The team initially reported it as back soreness earlier in the week, but it’s now been diagnosed more specifically.
The injury happened late in Sunday’s loss to the Knicks, and it’s already sidelined him for two games - a blowout loss to the Warriors and a bounce-back win over the Hawks. His status for Saturday remains up in the air, but signs point toward another night off as he recovers.
The injury list doesn’t stop there.
Jrue Holiday and Jerami Grant are both questionable as they continue to work their way back from extended absences. Holiday, dealing with a right calf issue, and Grant, managing a left Achilles injury, returned to action this week under minutes restrictions. The team is clearly playing the long game here, being cautious with two of their veteran leaders - especially with a back-to-back on the schedule this weekend, with Sacramento looming on Sunday.
Yang Hansen, the rookie big man, is also questionable - but for a different reason. He’s currently with the G League’s Rip City Remix, and it’s unclear whether he’ll be recalled in time for Saturday’s game.
Meanwhile, the Blazers will definitely be without several key pieces. Scoot Henderson remains out with a left hamstring tear, Damian Lillard continues to recover from a left Achilles injury, Kris Murray is dealing with a lumbar strain, Matisse Thybulle is sidelined with right knee tendinopathy, and Blake Wesley is out with a right foot fracture.
Here’s how the official injury report shapes up for Saturday’s game against the Lakers:
Trail Blazers Injury Report - Jan. 17 vs. Lakers
OUT:
- Scoot Henderson (Left Hamstring Tear)
- Damian Lillard (Left Achilles Tendon)
- Kris Murray (Lumbar Strain)
- Matisse Thybulle (Right Knee Tendinopathy)
- Blake Wesley (Right Foot Fracture)
DOUBTFUL:
- Deni Avdija (Lower Back Strain)
QUESTIONABLE:
- Jerami Grant (Left Achilles Injury Management)
- Jrue Holiday (Right Calf Injury Management)
- Yang Hansen (G League Assignment)
The Lakers aren’t coming in at full strength either. Reports indicate that they’ll be without starters Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, while big men Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes are also questionable due to injuries.
So, Saturday’s game could be less about star power and more about depth, hustle, and who can make the most of what they’ve got. For Portland, that means leaning on whoever’s healthy - and hoping some of their key veterans are cleared to suit up.