Deni Avdija Injury Update: Is Avdija Playing Tonight vs. Rockets?

March 6, 2026

NBA
AP Photo/Amanda Loman

The Portland Trail Blazers are currently entrenched in the final play-in tournament spot in the Western Conference. F Deni Avdija is an important part of the team’s potential postseason hopes, but his status is up in the air ahead of Friday’s tip-off against the Houston Rockets.

Let’s take a look at the latest Deni Avdija injury update for Friday vs. the Rockets, plus some key stats and PrizePicks projections to monitor for which Trail Blazers players could potentially benefit.

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Deni Avdija Injury Update: Is He Playing vs. Rockets?

The Trail Blazers have officially listed Avdija as doubtful for Friday’s contest due to a lower back injury.

Avdija has been out of the lineup since February 22, when he logged just one minute against the Phoenix Suns. He's played in just four of Portland’s last 14 games as a result of the injury.

Avdija has been the true definition of a playmaker when he’s been on the floor this season. According to databallr, the Portland star has logged 19.0 potential assists per 100 possessions, ranking in the 99th percentile.

The 2020 first-round pick leads the Trail Blazers with 24.4 points and 6.6 assists per game while also grabbing 7.0 rebounds per game. Avdija is also shooting 34.1% from beyond the arc.


Deni Avdija Injury Impact: Which Trail Blazers Players to Target?

With Avdija out of the lineup, PF Jerami Grant could continue to benefit from his absence.

Since Avdija was injured, Grant has averaged 20.6 PPG and 4.4 RPG, in addition to shooting 37.5% from deep. The Trail Blazers forward has scored at least 21 points in four of those five contests without Avdija in the lineup.

Most recently, Grant had one of his most productive performances of the season in a 122-114 win against the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday. Grant netted 30 points on 11-of-19 shooting, adding 9 rebounds and 4 assists.

Grant has proven to be a very versatile offensive player throughout his career. In 47 games this season, he's averaged 18.8 PPG, 3.6 RPG, and 2.3 APG, shooting 37.7% on 3-pointers.

Grant has recorded 24.7 true shot attempts per 100 possessions, ranking in the 87th percentile. With Avdija hurt, Grant remains one of Portland’s top offensive options.

Jerami Grant Stats, Projections vs. Rockets

Here are the most popular Jerami Grant player projections for Trail Blazers vs. Rockets tonight, via PrizePicks, where you can predict More or Less on player stats to earn real money if you're right.

  • 18.5 Points
  • 24.5 Pts + Rebs + Asts
  • 22.5 Pts + Rebs
  • 5.5 Rebs + Asts
  • 1.5 3PTM (Goblin)

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Make Trail Blazers vs. Rockets Picks on PrizePicks

The Trail Blazers could be without the services of F Deni Avdija for Friday’s game against the Rockets. Despite that, there are still several Trail Blazers player picks to consider on PrizePicks, including ones for Jerami Grant.

Just pick at least two player stat projections, predict More or Less on them, and cash in if you're right. With PrizePicks Team Picks, you can also make predictions on game winners, spreads, and over/unders — now available in 34 states!

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Chris Bengel is a veteran sports writer with two decades of experience covering the NBA, NHL, and NFL for CBS Sports and 247Sports. He attended Rowan University where he earned a degree in journalism and is a tortured Philadelphia sports fan residing in Harrisburg, PA.