Deni Avdija exits match with back pain, doesn’t return

Portland Trail Blazers standout forward, Israeli basketballer Deni Avdija exits a game against the visiting Miami Heat with back soreness early in the third quarter and doesn’t return.

Avdija had 20 points, seven rebounds, and four assists in 18 minutes before his departure.

Avdija leaves the contest less than two minutes into the second half, and the team officially ruled him out later in the third quarter.

The 6-foot-8 Avdija recently missed three consecutive games due to lower-back soreness. He played in each of the team’s first 40 games before the injury. This was his second game back in uniform.

Avdija entered the contest as the Trail Blazers’ leader in scoring at 26.2 points per game. He ranked second in rebounding (7.1) and assists (6.9).

Portland hosts the Toronto Raptors on Friday night in the second contest of a back-to-back.