{"id":178635,"date":"2026-02-24T08:00:40","date_gmt":"2026-02-24T13:00:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=178635"},"modified":"2026-02-24T01:47:19","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T06:47:19","slug":"resting-avdija-could-be-key-to-the-blazers-postseason-hopes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/02\/24\/resting-avdija-could-be-key-to-the-blazers-postseason-hopes\/","title":{"rendered":"Resting Avdija Could Be Key To The Blazers’ Postseason Hopes"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the best player on the Portland Trail Blazers, Deni Avdija<\/a> is crucial to their future. The Blazers’ postseason hopes hinge on whether Avdija’s injury is even more significant. This will shift Tiago Splitter’s rotations, but it might be necessary.<\/p>\n

Resting Avdija Could Be Key To The Blazers’ Postseason Hopes<\/h2>\n

In the 2025-26 season, Deni Avdija has been the Portland Trail Blazers’ best player. His standout performances helped him reach the All-Star team for the first time in his career. With averages of 24.4 points, seven rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game, he has become a well-rounded star.<\/p>\n

Shortly before the All-Star break, Avdija was already struggling with a back injury. He played in the All-Star Game, but most Blazers fans knew he was still dealing with a back injury. In their latest game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Avdija barely played a minute before he exited the game.<\/p>\n

Given the concerns about Avdija’s role before<\/a>, a hobbled Deni would be even worse. Moving forward, it might be best for the Blazers to fully rest Avdija to boost the Blazers’ postseason hopes.<\/p>\n

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Avdija’s Injury Deserves A Delicate Approach<\/h3>\n

Back injuries are always tough to deal with for both the player and the team. Sometimes, it can feel better than most days, but it can suddenly flare up. That has been happening to Avdija in recent games, especially against the Grizzlies.<\/p>\n

He was ready to go, but it appears that he needs more time. The Blazers’ medical staff has had a rough year filled with injuries. This is another issue they have to deal with. Considering this is a back injury, making Avdija rest is the best way to go about it.<\/p>\n

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What's even more telling about Deni's injury, is that it was on this specific low impact play.<\/p>\n

No jumping, just a drive and a slight twist. This is not good. #ripcity<\/a> https:\/\/t.co\/yhBo5HUZae<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/zoVLVRUZkM<\/a><\/p>\n

— SleeperTrailBlazers (@SleeperBlazers) February 23, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n