The Portland Trail Blazers are set to face the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday afternoon during the second game of their five-game road trip. Forward Deni Avdija, who has struggled with injuries since the All-Star break, remains a key figure in the team’s injury update as his participation against the Hornets is uncertain due to a back issue.
Avdija’s promising start to the 2025-2026 NBA season has been hindered by this lower back injury, which sidelined him early in the Blazers’ recent match against the Phoenix Suns. He has not played since that incident, missing the past two games and currently is listed as doubtful for Saturday’s contest, likely to miss a third game in a row.
How the Blazers Are Adjusting Without Avdija
In Avdija’s absence, interim head coach Tiago Splitter has relied heavily on Kris Murray, who will be making his 14th start of the season. Murray has delivered strong performances in the last two games and is expected to continue alongside Jrue Holiday, Toumani Camara, Jerami Grant, and Donovan Clingan in the starting lineup.
Donovan Clingan’s status is questionable due to illness, after missing the previous game. Should Clingan remain sidelined, Scoot Henderson is likely to keep his starting role. Holiday and Grant have increased their scoring output to cover for Avdija, with Holiday currently experiencing his best form of the season, averaging 18 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists in February. Henderson continues to contribute valuable minutes off the bench.
Given Avdija’s doubtful status, the Blazers’ lineup that secured a 121-112 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Thursday is expected to take the court against Charlotte.
Update on Other Portland Players’ Health
The Blazers’ injury report also includes several other players: Sidy Cissoko and Donovan Clingan are both questionable due to illness, Damian Lillard remains out managing a left Achilles tendon issue, and Caleb Love is unavailable while assigned to the G League. Shaedon Sharpe continues to deal with a left fibula stress reaction.
Charlotte Hornets’ Current Injury Overview
On the Hornets’ side, multiple players are sidelined in the G League and will not be available. Tosan Evbuomwan, PJ Hall, Liam McNeely, Antonio Reeves, and Tidjane Salaun are all out, limiting depth for the East Coast team in their home game against Portland.
Implications for the Upcoming Match and Season Outlook
Deni Avdija’s uncertain availability adds to the challenges Portland faces as they aim to continue building momentum on this road trip. The contributions of Kris Murray, Jrue Holiday, Jerami Grant, and Scoot Henderson remain vital in offsetting Avdija’s absence, and their performance could shape the Blazers’ chances against Charlotte. Monitoring Avdija’s recovery will be crucial for the team as they navigate a demanding stretch of the season on the East Coast.
