Deni Avdija Listed as Questionable for Wednesday
Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (back) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's tilt against the Memphis Grizzlies. Portland's leader has a chance to return from a four-game absence, though it's far from certain due to a nagging lower back injury. The last time Avdija tried to play through the injury, he lasted only 59 seconds. Kris Murray (illness) has been starting in Avdija's place, but he is also considered questionable for Wednesday's game. Vit Krejci would be the next man up to start after already getting a taste of first-unit action when Murray made an early exit on Sunday against Atlanta.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Deni Avdija Remains Out on Sunday
Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (back) won't suit up on Sunday against Atlanta. He's been dealing with the lower back injury for a while. Although the 25-year-old has played sparingly since the injury was first announced, the latest setback will now cost him a fourth-straight contest. Avdija has had a wonderful campaign, averaging a career-high 24.4 points with 7.0 rebounds, and 6.6 assists. His next chance to get on the floor will be on Wednesday in Memphis. With Shaedon Sharpe (leg) also sidelined, the Blazers should get extra production from Jerami Grant, Jrue Holiday, and Donovan Clingan. Kris Murray, who has amassed 7.8 points, 4.8 boards, and 1.1 steals in 14 starts this season, is expected to stay with the first-five until Avdija is back in the mix.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Deni Avdija Likely to Miss Another Game
Portland Trail Blazers guard/forward Deni Avdija (back) is listed as doubtful for Saturday's game against the Hornets and is tracking toward a third straight absence. His 29.0 usage rate leaves a sizable offensive gap. In Thursday's win over Chicago, Kris Murray started and logged 28 minutes with 10 points, five rebounds, and three assists, while Jerami Grant posted 27 points with three triples in 35 minutes. Murray is a viable short-term streamer for minutes and modest across-the-board production, while Grant carries a higher scoring ceiling if Avdija remains sidelined.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Donovan Clingan Out, Robert Williams III and Yang Hansen Cleared
Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan (illness) is out, while centers Robert Williams III (foot) and Yang Hansen (back) are available for Thursday's game against Chicago. Clingan's absence opens frontcourt minutes, giving Williams per-minute upside appeal. Over his last five games, Williams has averaged 6.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks in 14.6 minutes, positioning him as a viable blocks streamer who can deliver efficient production even in a limited role. Hansen profiles as a deeper, riskier option. Jerami Grant and Toumani Camara should also see slight rebounding boosts with Clingan sidelined.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Deni Avdija Remains Sidelined Thursday
Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (back) won't play against the Chicago Bulls on Thursday. Due to a nagging lower back issue, Avdija is forced to sit out a second consecutive game. Avdija has joined Shaedon Sharpe (leg) on the shelf, leaving Portland without its two top offensive options. This elevates the offensive usage of Jerami Grant, Jrue Holiday, and Scott Henderson. The trio took 46 of Portland's 89 shot attempts in Tuesday's loss to Minnesota. Kris Murray stepped into the starting lineup in Avdija's absence, contributing 16 points, five rebounds, one assist, and two blocks in 29 minutes.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Shaedon Sharpe Sidelined at Least Four More Weeks
According to Sean Highkin of Rip City Radio 620, Portland Trail Blazers guard/forward Shaedon Sharpe (calf) will be re-evaluated in 4-6 weeks after being diagnosed with a stress reaction in his left fibula. A strained left calf had already sidelined Sharpe since early February, and this latest setback could push his return timetable into April. In his absence, Scoot Henderson and Vit Krejci could see expanded roles, potentially boosting their fantasy value.
Source: Sean Highkin
Source: Sean Highkin
Deni Avdija Won't Play Tuesday
Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (back) won't suit up for Tuesday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Avdija has been dealing with a lower back issue for several weeks and lasted for only 59 seconds against Phoenix on Sunday. It's sad to see Avdija struggling with the injury, as he was having a monster year prior to it. Shaedon Sharpe (calf) also won't be in action against the Timberwolves, so the Trail Blazers must cope with the absence of their two top scorers. Jerami Grant, Scoot Henderson, and Jrue Holiday are bound to see more offensive usage, while Sidy Cissoko is the likeliest candidate to fill the void in the starting lineup.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Deni Avdija Leaves Game After Back Flare-Up
Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (back) will not return to Sunday's game against the Suns after aggravating a preexisting low back issue less than one minute into the contest. His availability for Tuesday against Minnesota is uncertain. Avdija's 29.8 usage rate leaves a sizable void. Scoot Henderson logged 30 minutes Sunday and produced 11 points, six assists, and four rebounds, positioning him as a viable short-term add. Jerami Grant and Jrue Holiday should see added scoring responsibility, while Sidy Cissoko and Vit Krejci profile as deeper-league streamers if Avdija misses time.
Source: Trail Blazers PR
Source: Trail Blazers PR
Deni Avdija Good to Go Against Suns
Portland Trail Blazers guard/forward Deni Avdija (back) is available for Sunday's game in Phoenix and is expected to handle his usual workload. The 25-year-old has been Portland's primary engine this season, averaging 25.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 2.2 3-pointers while carrying a 29.6 usage rate. He logged 15 points, 13 assists, and eight rebounds in 30 minutes during the last loss to Denver. Fantasy managers should keep him locked in, though a mild re-aggravation risk exists. Jrue Holiday and Jerami Grant would see added playmaking and scoring opportunities if Avdija's minutes dip.
Source: Trail Blazers PR
Source: Trail Blazers PR
Shaedon Sharpe Remains Unavailable Sunday
Portland Trail Blazers guard/forward Shaedon Sharpe (calf) remains out for Sunday's game against Phoenix, marking his sixth consecutive absence as the team continues to err on the side of caution. The backcourt minutes are still up in the air. Vit Krejci scored 11 points with two threes in 17 minutes last game, Matisse Thybulle added five points and three steals in 13 minutes, and Sidy Cissoko chipped in two steals and two blocks in 16 minutes. All three are fringe, risky streaming options in deeper formats.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Kris Murray, Matisse Thybulle Suit Up Friday
Portland Trail Blazers forwards Kris Murray (back) and Matisse Thybulle (knee) are available for Friday's matchup against Denver. Murray returns from a prolonged absence due to a lumbar strain and has averaged 6.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.2 steals in 25.7 minutes across 34 games this season, though a full workload is unlikely with the rotation near full strength. Thybulle, who has logged 12.2 minutes over four outings, is averaging 5.0 points and 2.5 steals, giving him deep-league appeal as a defensive streamer. Vit Krejci could see a slight minute reduction.
Source: Danny Marang
Source: Danny Marang
Scoot Henderson No Longer Limited
Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson (hamstring) will no longer face a minutes restriction after returning from a torn left hamstring. The third-year guard has averaged 20.0 minutes, 14.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.8 threes on 51.7 percent shooting across four appearances, though 4.5 turnovers per game remain a concern. An expanded workload should push him into standard-league relevance as a points and assists source. Jrue Holiday and Deni Avdija may see slight usage dips, while Shaedon Sharpe's (calf) role could fluctuate once healthy. Henderson profiles as a viable add with upside.
Source: Sean Highkin
Source: Sean Highkin
Damian Lillard Wins Third Three-Point Contest
Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (Achilles) captured his third career three-point contest crown Saturday, edging out Devin Booker in the final round of the 2026 event. The 35-year-old posted 27 points in the opening round and 29 in the championship heat, drilling seven of his final 10 attempts, including a deep logo make. Lillard remains sidelined while rehabbing a torn left Achilles and is targeting a return for the 2026-27 season. His absence continues to stabilize usage for Jrue Holiday and Scoot Henderson, keeping both firmly rostered in standard leagues.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Robert Williams III Will Not Play Against Utah
Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (knee) has been downgraded to out for Thursday's game against the Jazz. Williams logged five points, five rebounds, and two blocks in 12 minutes Wednesday and remains on a light workload when active. His absence solidifies Donovan Clingan's role as the primary center and could open a few backup minutes for Yang Hansen. Hansen has totaled six points and five rebounds across his last five appearances, limiting him to emergency depth in deep leagues.
Source: Trail Blazers PR
Source: Trail Blazers PR
Deni Avdija Sidelined vs. Jazz
Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (back) has been downgraded to out for Thursday's game against the Jazz. Avdija logged 11 points, five rebounds, and three assists in 27 minutes Wednesday but struggled to 21 percent shooting on 14 attempts. His absence opens usage on the wing, with Vit Krejci a clear beneficiary after posting 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting in 20 minutes. Sidy Cissoko could also see an expanded run. Jrue Holiday and Jerami Grant should shoulder more offensive responsibility, while Avdija remains a hold if this proves short-term.
Source: Trail Blazers PR
Source: Trail Blazers PR
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