Blazers' Avdija Injures Back Early in Suns Win

Portland Trail Blazers All-Star forward Deni Avdija suffered a lower back injury just 59 seconds into Sunday's game against the Phoenix Suns in Phoenix, exiting the contest and not returning, though his team secured a 92-77 victory over the shorthanded opponent.

Avdija, listed as questionable with the same back issue entering the matchup, appeared to aggravate the injury in a non-contact moment while backing down a Suns defender in the midpost. He passed the ball to teammate Donovan Clingan before clutching his back in pain and signaling to be removed from the floor. Portland broadcasters noted the forward grimacing as he headed to the locker room, with play-by-play announcer Kevin Calabro observing that there was no apparent contact involved.

The 25-year-old Israeli star, a first-time All-Star this season, has been Portland's leading scorer, averaging 25 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game. He first sustained the back injury on January 11 during a loss to the New York Knicks and has dealt with multiple flare-ups since, missing 10 of the team's games over the past six weeks. Despite the recurring problem, Avdija had expressed confidence earlier in the season, telling...