Deni

Avdija

Avdjia did everything but make a three-pointer on Friday, helping compensate for another high-turnover night. The Trail Blazers’ playmaker was responsible for five turnovers against the Mavericks, and he’s been responsible for at least three in each of his last ten appearances. Given how much Avdija has the ball in his hands, the turnovers are somewhat understandable. And the task would become more difficult if Jerami Grant (calf) has to miss time.

Avdija and the Trail Blazers took care of business on Wednesday, scoring 71 first-half points and winning by a 130-99 final score. Due to the game being a blowout, he only played 25 minutes, a development that some fantasy managers won’t be pleased with. However, the points, assists and percentages were solid, so managers won’t have too much to complain about after Avdija’s showing against the Bucks.

Avdija’s struggles from beyond the arc continue, as he missed all three of his three-point attempts on Monday. Over his last six games, the Trail Blazers’ playmaker has shot 8-of-37. The good news for fantasy managers is that he’s still scored at least 18 points in all six games, surpassing 23 points in four. Avdija’s ability to get to the foul line has boosted the points output, preserving most of his fantasy value.

Having totaled 15 assists and 13 turnovers in his last three games, Avdija finished Week 21 on a high note, even if Portland took the loss. His 14 assists against the Nuggets were countered by three turnovers in one of his more efficient games since the All-Star break. Add in the points and rebounds, and this was an excellent performance from Avdija. The Trail Blazers play four games in Week 22, starting with the Nets on Monday.

While turnovers remain an issue for Avdija, who committed four on Friday, his scoring output has picked up recently. Since his most recent absence due to a lingering lower back injury, the Trail Blazers wing has scored at least 17 points in seven straight games. Over the past two weeks, Avdija has provided fourth-round value in eight-cat formats.

The Pacers had no answer for Avdija or Donovan Clingan on Wednesday, as they combined to score 60 of the Trail Blazers’ 125 points. For the former, this was his first 30-point game since a January 18 win over the Kings. Given the hit that Avdija’s production has taken since the back injury he suffered in mid-January, fantasy managers aren’t going to lose any sleep over his five turnovers against the Pacers.

Avdija didn’t have the best night shooting the basketball, going 4-of-13 from the field. However, he did provide solid value in other categories, most notably rebounds and assists. Since the All-Star break, he has been a top-75 player in eight-cat formats. A lingering back issue hasn’t helped, but Avdija has been active for each of the Trail Blazers’ last five games.

While Avdija did not have the cleanest game on Sunday, having recorded seven turnovers while shooting 7-of-19 from the field, the points, rebounds and assists were solid. Since injuring his back on January 11, the Trail Blazers’ wing has provided sixth-round value in eight-cat formats, but Deni has been limited to 12 games. Portland plays four games in Week 21, but Avdija could be limited to three because of a wraparound back-to-back to end the week.

Avdija returned from a back injury with 18 points in Sunday’s win over the Pacers. The story was similar Tuesday against the Hornets as he had 22 points, though the Trail Blazers lost. Avdija played 34 minutes Tuesday after playing 25 on Sunday, which is certainly a positive development as he’s now seemingly over his back injury. The Trail Blazers have two more games this week and Avdija should be available for both of them.

Back in the Trail Blazers’ lineup after a six-game absence, Avdija started and played 25 minutes on Sunday. Given the time off and how long his lower back injury has lingered, the Trail Blazers weren’t going to take any risks with the All-Star wing. Avdija missed all four of his three-point attempts, but fantasy managers can work with the rebounds, assists and blocks. Portland’s three-game Week 20 concludes with a back-to-back that extends into Week 21, so Avdija may be limited to two appearances.