Standout Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija is sitting out Portland’s Friday night game against the visiting Toronto Raptors due to back tightness.
Avdija exited the Blazers’ 127-110 victory over the Miami Heat on Thursday less than two minutes into the second half due to back stiffness. He didn’t return.
Avdija has now missed four of Portland’s past six games due to back injuries. He played in each of the team’s first 40 contests.
Trail Blazers interim coach Tiago Splitter said prior to the game that Avdija would travel with the squad for the upcoming three-game road trip that begins Monday against the Boston Celtics.
Avdija was excelling with 20 points, seven rebounds and four assists in 18 minutes prior to departing against Miami.
The 6-foot-8 Israel native leads the Trail Blazers in scoring at 26.0 points per game. The All-Star candidate ranks second on the team in rebounding (7.1) and assists (6.9).
Entering play on Friday, Portland had won four consecutive games and 11 of its past 14.
Also, Raptors guard RJ Barrett (ankle) returned to the Toronto starting lineup after missing the previous seven games.
Barrett began the night averaging 19.6 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.7 assists through 23 games.
