The Portland Trail Blazers’ debilitating injury situation has improved dramatically over the last week.
But it hasn’t completely disappeared.
Deni Avdija, who has missed the last two games with lower back soreness, is listed as doubtful for the Blazers’ Saturday night home game against the Los Angeles Lakers. His injury, for the first time, has been revealed to be a lower back strain.
The Blazers’ starting forward went through a light pregame workout before the team’s win over the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday and moved fluidly without any visible discomfort. Acting coach Tiago Splitter said the Blazers are hopeful the injury will not keep Avdija sidelined long-term.
“He’s feeling better,” Splitter said. “Not 100%. But we’re also being cautious with him. But he’s feeling better.”
The win over the Hawks was most notable because of the return of Jerami Grant from left Achilles tendonitis. After missing the previous 14 games, the veteran wing played 23 minutes, recording 16 points, three assists, two rebounds and two blocks.
But Grant is listed as questionable versus the Lakers for “injury management.” The Blazers also have listed point guard Jrue Holiday as questionable with injury management.
The starting point guard, who missed more than eight weeks with a right calf strain, returned Sunday against the New York Knicks and has played in each of the last three games.
The Blazers, it appears, are taking a cautious approach to back-to-backs when it comes to their recovering veterans — the Blazers visit the Sacramento Kings on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the Blazers also stand to benefit from injuries against the Lakers.
Los Angeles All-Star guard Luka Doncic has been ruled out with left groin soreness and Austin Reaves will miss his 11th consecutive game with a left calf strain. Also, former Blazers center Deandre Ayton is listed as questionable with left knee soreness.
The Blazers and Lakers play at 7 p.m. at Moda Center.