KEY POINTS
- All-Star forward Deni Avdija returns to full health as Portland aims to secure a Western Conference play-in spot.
- The Trail Blazers currently hold the 10th seed and look to build on a strong run before the All-Star break.
- Portland faces a significant home test against the third-seeded Denver Nuggets to kick off the season’s final stretch.
The Portland Trail Blazers return to action this Friday night with renewed health and high postseason ambitions. Portland currently sits in 10th place in the Western Conference standings with a record of 27-29. This position puts the team firmly in the hunt for a play-in tournament berth as the regular season enters its final 26 games. The squad has not reached the playoffs since 2021, making this late-season push a major priority for the franchise.
A primary reason for Portland’s competitive stance this year is the meteoric rise of Deni Avdija. The 25-year-old forward recently became the first Israeli player ever named an NBA All-Star. Avdija has transformed into the primary engine of the Blazers’ offense this season. He currently leads the team with an average of 25.2 points and 6.6 assists per game. His versatility on both ends of the court has stabilized a roster that was previously in a deep rebuild.
Fortunately for Portland fans, Avdija confirmed on Thursday that his recent back issues have finally subsided. The star forward missed 10 of the previous 16 games before the All-Star break due to a lower-back strain. His return to full strength provides a necessary boost for a team missing guard Shaedon Sharpe to a calf injury. Avdija expressed high confidence in the team’s chemistry and readiness to finish the year with momentum.
The first challenge of this final stretch comes in the form of the Denver Nuggets at the Moda Center. Denver enters the matchup as the third seed in the West but has struggled recently with five losses in their last seven outings. The Nuggets are led by Nikola Jokic, who continues to perform at an elite level despite his team’s recent inconsistencies. Portland already holds one victory over Denver this season and looks to repeat that success on their home floor.
Interim coach Tiago Splitter remains cautious despite the positive energy surrounding the team’s health. He noted that the Blazers must improve their defensive consistency and rebounding to compete with the conference elite. While Portland holds a comfortable lead over the 11th-place Memphis Grizzlies, every game remains vital for seeding. The coaching staff is focused on integrating players returning from injury and removing remaining minutes restrictions.
The 2026 season has been a landmark year for the Trail Blazers and their new focal point, Avdija. His breakout campaign has shifted the franchise’s timeline and generated new excitement in the Pacific Northwest. Fans and analysts alike are watching to see if this young core can sustain its play-in positioning. A win against a powerhouse like Denver would signal that Portland is truly ready for postseason basketball.
