Danny Avdia will miss the first game since the All-Star nod against the Cavaliers

The Portland Trail Blazers they will have to go through their Sunday night matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers without their brightest star. Just days after earning his first career All-Star selection, the forward Deni Avdija has been sent off due to strain in the lower back.

NBA correspondent Marc Stein first reported the news via X, noting that it was injury will keep the versatile playmaker on the sidelines for the first time since getting the All-Star nod. The timing is a blow for Portland, as Avdia has been the engine behind their recent run of contention.

The loss of Avdia robs the Blazers of their most well-rounded weapon. On the season, the Israeli forward is averaging 25.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game. His ability to grab the rebound and ignite the fast break has transformed Portland’s offensive identity, making them much harder to scout than a year ago.

Without Avdia’s 6-foot-9 frame on the floor, head coach Chauncey Billups will likely lean more heavily on Jeremy Grant and rookie Donovan Klingan to stabilize the front field. Grant has been steady but lacks the playmaking vision that Avdia provides. The Blazers will also need an increase in efficiency from Jrue Holiday, who will likely see an increase in usage as the primary offensive starter.

Dealing with The Cleveland Cavaliers are a daunting task even at full power. Cleveland arrived in Portland boasting one of the tightest defenses in the league, led by the duo of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Without Avdia’s ability to drive and shoot, the Blazers risk becoming one-dimensional against a Cavs team that excels at protecting the rim.

In the previous meeting, a narrow victory for the Trail Blazers, Avdija had 27 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. His absence leaves a huge void on the stat sheet that several players will need to fill by the committee.

The Trail Blazers have not given an official timeline for Avdia’s return, though a “lower back strain” often suggests a day-to-day assessment. Portland fans will be holding their breath, hoping their new All-Star won’t be sidelined for long.