As the best player on the Portland Trail Blazers, Deni Avdija 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.
Resting Avdija Could Be Key To The Blazers’ Postseason Hopes
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.
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.
Given the concerns about Avdija’s role before, 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.
Avdija’s Injury Deserves A Delicate Approach
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.
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.
What’s even more telling about Deni’s injury, is that it was on this specific low impact play.
No jumping, just a drive and a slight twist. This is not good. #ripcity https://t.co/yhBo5HUZae pic.twitter.com/zoVLVRUZkM
— SleeperTrailBlazers (@SleeperBlazers) February 23, 2026
However, they also need to convince Avdija that resting leads to the best-case scenario. He needs to fully rest his back, which means stepping away from the court for a while. It will be a significant blow to Portland’s system since they heavily rely on Avdija to make plays.
Shaedon Sharpe is also out with an injury, which means the Blazers don’t have an established number one option. That responsibility will bounce between Jrue Holiday and Jerami Grant. However, Scoot Henderson could play a big role due to not playing under a minute restriction anymore.
The Blazers’ Postseason Hopes Hinge On Avdija’s Performance
As long as the Blazers can help Avdija recover, it will be good for their plans this season. They want to reach the postseason, and that is possible with how they are playing. Portland is ninth in the Western Conference with a 28-30 record.
The Golden State Warriors and the Phoenix Suns are above them in the standings. However, the Blazers could capitalize on those teams’ health. The Warriors lost Jimmy Butler to an ACL injury, while Dillon Brooks is also out for a few weeks.
If the Blazers can maintain their performances as they did against Memphis, they could surprise people. Donovan Clingan is playing high-level basketball at the moment, and he can maintain that. Acting head coach Tiago Splitter needs to maximize his team, so everyone should get a shot to contribute.
Donovan Clingan’s stats over the past two months for the Trail Blazers:
13.4 points
12.3 rebounds
2.3 assists
1.4 blocks
63.8 TS%
38.4 3PT%
Clingan adding in a consistent three-point shot lifts his two-way ceiling even higher.pic.twitter.com/ylAWg15nKj
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) February 24, 2026
They can buy some time until both Avdija and Sharpe are healthy. Those two have been Portland’s best players this season, but they have some talented teammates who can step up. It will be challenging, but Splitter’s rotations are talented enough to prove that the Blazers’ postseason hopes are valid.
Splitter’s Rotations Need Big-Time Adjustments
Jan 30, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (8) controls the ball against New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
With Avdija sidelined for the meantime, Sidy Cissoko is likely to be in the starting lineup. The Frenchman with a newly minted contract has been one of Splitter’s favorites, so he will probably get that distinction.
Electing to start Henderson alongside Holiday can prove why guards are crucial to the success. It will be up to Splitter to make the hard decisions. This will not be easy because the Blazers have talented players. However, they need to make adjustments that will help the team move forward.
They are in a race to deliver on the Blazers’ postseason hopes. It will be a tough task, but they have the talent. If they can buy time until their stars are back, the Blazers will be a dangerous matchup.
Featured Image: Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images