Deni Avdija Injury Update
Deni Avdija left the Portland Trail Blazers’ game against the New York Knicks on Sunday, January 11, 2026, with a lower back injury in the final minutes.
Reports from the team and local media describe it as an apparent back issue suffered after grabbing a rebound, with the exact severity still not fully known as of late Sunday night.
He was seen grimacing, icing his lower back and needing extra time just to sit down at his locker afterward, which understandably worried fans who have watched him play at an All-Star level this season.
What Happened to Deni Avdija?
Avdija hurt his lower back on a non-contact play after securing a rebound, then immediately signaled to come out and headed straight to the locker room with about two minutes left against the Knicks.
The X account @NBA_NewYork shared a brief update noting that Deni Avdija headed back to the locker room after suffering a late-game injury, adding to the concern around his lower back issue.
He later explained that he felt his back “give up” and could not straighten up, which is the kind of phrase that makes any team trainer wince.
The timing adds another layer of concern because just days earlier he had been involved in a car accident before a game against Houston, saying he was lucky to come out unscathed and still played, so some fans are understandably connecting those dots and wondering if his body is catching up to the recent stress.
When Will Deni Avdija Return?
Right now, there is no official timetable, but early signals suggest this might be more of a short-term scare than a long-term nightmare.
Avdija told reporters he was “not really concerned,” called himself a tough guy and even joked that as soon as he is “walking on two feet” he will be able to play, which sounds like a player determined not to miss much time, even if the medical staff will have the final say.
The schedule gives Portland a small silver lining: after a busy upcoming week that includes a back-to-back, the Blazers get a three-day break before an extended road trip at the end of January, a window that could realistically allow him to rest, get treatment, and return without rushing things.
Deni Avdija Stats
Before this back issue, Avdija was putting up genuine star numbers for Portland in the 2025–26 NBA season, averaging about 26.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game while shooting roughly 47.1% from the field and 35.9% from three.
In the very game where he got hurt against the Knicks, he still led the Blazers with 25 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and a block in 38 minutes, which kind of sums up how central he has become to everything this team does on both ends.
For a fan base that has watched him drive an 18–20 team into the playoff conversation with big nights and clutch stretches, any injury interruption feels bigger than just one player limping to the locker room.
Disclaimer: This information is based on publicly available news, team reports, and trusted sports outlets as of Sunday, January 11, 2026, and situations like injuries can change quickly with new medical evaluations. Fans are encouraged to follow official updates from the Portland Trail Blazers, the NBA, and verified reporters for the most accurate and time-sensitive details about Deni Avdija’s status.
