Portland Trail Blazers All-Star Deni Avdija is in contention to return on Friday against the Memphis Grizzlies. The Israeli forward has struggled to stay healthy since injuring his back on Jan. 11. He has played in four of the Trail Blazers 11 games.
Avdija returned on Jan. 27 against the Washington Wizards from a two-game absence. He also played the Jan. 30 game against the New York Knicks, but was out for Sunday and Tuesday’s games against the Cleveland Cavaliers and Phoenix Suns.
He was questionable against the Cavaliers and doubtful against the Suns and eventually downgraded to out. Ahead of Friday’s game, Avdija has been upgraded to questionable and has a 50-50 chance of playing against the Grizzlies. He will again be a game-time decision.
Portland will hope he’s back and for a lengthy stretch as it’s on a six-game losing streak, dropping to 10th in the Western Conference with one loss separating it from the Grizzlies in 11th. The Trail Blazers are 2-5 in Avdija’s absence.
Deni Avdija Stats vs. Memphis Grizzlies
Deni Avdija has averaged 12.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 12 games against the Memphis Grizzlies. When Portland met Memphis on Dec. 7, Avdija had 17 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and three steals on 50.0% shooting in a 119-96 loss.
Avdija is projected to score at least 22 points, seven rebounds and five assists. With Memphis now rebuilding after the blockbuster Jaren Jackson Jr. trade, the Trail Blazers should cruise to a win if Avdija is in the lineup.
Where to watch Memphis Grizzlies vs. Portland Trail Blazers game?
FanDuel Sports Network Southeast Memphis and KUNP will locally televise the Memphis Grizzlies vs. Portland Trail Blazers game. NBA League Pass will stream the game online. The Trail Blazers are 7.5-point favorites to win. While they are on a six-game losing streak, their homecourt advantage and Memphis’ own woes could see the Trail Blazers finally end the drought for a win.
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