Blazers star exits early vs. Heat with back injury

Portland Trail Blazers star forward Deni Avdija exited early against the Miami Heat after tweaking his back. He will not return, according to the team.

INJURY UPDATE: Deni Avdija (Back) will not return to tonight’s game vs. MIA.
— Trail Blazers PR (@TrailBlazersPR) January 23, 2026

Avdija recently dealt with a back injury earlier this month, missing three games before he returned Sunday against the Sacramento Kings.

The injury occurred while defending Heat forward Andrew Wiggins in the third quarter. Wiggins was trying to change direction 30 feet from the basket, and as Avdija was sliding his feet, he immediately grabbed his lower left back.

Deni Avdija lower back injury vs. the Miami Heat, after he got hit in the lower back by Andrew Wiggins (with a replay).

He was subbed out.

It doesn't seem serious, but he has yet to return tonight.

At least he got his friend Duop Reath on the bench with him

Also on Youtube:… pic.twitter.com/qm4xCP6Yxh
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) January 23, 2026

Avdija finished with 20 points on 6-of-11 shooting, including 2-of-5 from 3-point range, adding seven rebounds and four assists in 18 minutes.

The 6-foot-8 forward has easily been the Blazers’ best player through the midway point. Avdija not only has a compelling All-Star case, but could make a run at an All-NBA team. He entered the evening averaging 26.2 points, 7.1 rebounds and 6.9 assists on 47.0 percent shooting, including 35.5 percent from 3-point range and 80.4 percent from the charity stripe.

Miami was also shorthanded heading into the tonight — as they were without Davion Mitchell, Kel’el Ware and Tyler Herro. Portland controlled the game for most of the night, including from 3-point range. As a result of the Blazers’ blowout victory, both teams are 23-22 through 45 games.