PORTLAND, 23 February 2026 – Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija has experienced a whirlwind 24 hours, transitioning from the high of his first career All-Star appearance to an injury scare during Sunday’s matchup against the Phoenix Suns. The Israeli star, who has become the cornerstone of Portland’s rebuilding efforts, was forced to exit the game early due to a lower back issue.
Injury Update: Phoenix Suns vs. Portland Trail Blazers
During the game on Sunday, 22 February 2026, Avdija was initially listed as questionable but was cleared to play shortly before tip-off. However, the Blazers announced mid-game that Avdija would not return after aggravating a lower back injury. This exit comes at a critical juncture for Portland as they pursue a postseason spot, leaning heavily on Avdija’s breakout offensive production.
A Historic All-Star Season
The 2025-26 season has served as a massive leap for Avdija. Just last week, on 15 February 2026, he made history as the first Israeli player to compete in the NBA All-Star Game. Public sentiment across platforms like Reddit and various sports outlets has highlighted his “insane season,” with many analysts citing his four-year, $55 million contract as one of the best value deals in the league given his All-Star production.
To open the current regular season, Avdija has posted career-high numbers across the board, including a 41-point performance in early January 2026 that nearly eclipsed his all-time career record.
Player Profile and Career Statistics
Since being traded from the Washington Wizards to the Portland Trail Blazers in July 2024, Avdija has evolved from a versatile role player into a primary offensive engine. Below are his vital statistics and current season performance metrics.
| Category | Details / 2025-26 Season Stats |
|---|---|
| Position | Forward / Guard |
| Current Team | Portland Trail Blazers |
| Points Per Game | 25.6 – 26.1 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 7.2 |
| Assists Per Game | 6.9 |
| Contract | 4 Years, $55,000,000 (Signed Oct 2023) |
| Draft Status | 9th Overall, 2020 (Washington Wizards) |
The “Building Block” of Portland
Following his trade to Portland in 2024, there was initial skepticism regarding the Wizards’ decision to move him. However, Blazers management has been vindicated as Avdija has emerged as the team’s “best building block.” Recent reports suggest that while Portland has explored blockbuster trades for superstars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, the front office has been hesitant to include Avdija, viewing him as the essential piece for their future competitive window.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Deni Avdija in the game against the Suns?
Avdija exited the game on Sunday, 22 February 2026, due to a lower back injury. He had been listed as questionable before the game but was unable to finish the contest after the injury flared up.
Is Deni Avdija the first Israeli NBA All-Star?
Yes. Avdija made history in February 2026 by becoming the first player from Israel to be selected for and play in the NBA All-Star Game.
When does Deni Avdija’s current contract expire?
Avdija signed a four-year, $55 million extension in October 2023. The contract runs through the 2027-28 season, with his cap hit for the current 2025-26 season being part of that descending or flat-scale extension.
What are Avdija’s career-high points?
While his career-high stands at 43 points (set in February 2024), he recently recorded a season-high of 41 points on 7 January 2026, in a win against the Sacramento Kings.