Deni

Avdija

Following a two-game absence with a back strain, Avdija returned to the lineup against his former team. He wasn’t as dominant as he has been for most of the season, but he had his highest rebounding total since November when he grabbed a season-high 19 boards. This was an inefficient outing, but it was good to have him back out on the floor. He’ll look to get back on track against the Knicks on Friday.

Avdija has missed Portland’s last three games but will return to take on Washington. Sidy Cissoko should head back to the bench with Avdija back in the starting unit. Cissoko didn’t hold much fantasy upside regardless, but he certainly isn’t worth rostering as a reserve.

Avdija has missed three straight games, but he’s got a chance to return against Washington. If Avdija is ultimately sidelined, Sidy Cissoko, Jerami Grant and Rayan Rupert should pick up the slack using a committee approach.

While Avidija is set to miss his third straight game, his return should come the following day against the Wizards on the second game of a back-to-back, head coach Tiago Splitter told reports. With Avdija out, Sidy Cissoko would likely slot in as a spot starter. Jerami Grant and Rayan Rupert will also soak up key wing minutes off the bench.

Avdija is questionable for Monday’s game against the Celtics with a lower back strain. The 25-year-old small forward left Thursday’s game against the Heat with a back injury and subsequently missed Friday’s game against the Raptors. There’s a chance Avdija returns Monday, but if not Shaedon Sharpe should see a boost in usage and thus fantasy value.

Sharpe was active on the offensive end on Friday. Without Deni Avdija (back), his shot volume was high, but he finished with fewer points than field-goal attempts. However, the fourth-year guard got on the glass and also made contributions as a passer to round out his solid overall performance. Depending on how long Avdija is sidelined, there’s potential that Sharpe could really put up some big scoring performances. He may have a chance to do so on Monday against the Celtics.

Cissoko will get the start for Deni Avidja (back), who has been ruled out for the second game of a back-to-back. Without their best scorer, the Trail Blazers will rely on contributions from several players against the Raptors in order to obtain their fifth win in a row. Portland is currently in ninth place in the Western Conference standings.

Avdija exited early on Thursday and was listed as doubtful for this game, so his official absence doesn’t come as a surprise. Sidy Cissoko will return to the starting lineup in his place, though he doesn’t hold much upside as a streamer.

Avdija is now expected to miss this game despite confidence from head coach Tiago Splitter that he would be able to suit up after exiting early on Thursday. Even if it isn’t serious, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Sidy Cissoko should return to the starting lineup, though he shouldn’t be streamed in as a result.

Avdija exited early from Thursday’s game after feeling discomfort in his back. He just missed three games with a back injury, so they opted to play things safe. He should be good to go against Toronto, where he’ll look to stay red hot.