*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)*

Deni Avdija injury status vs. Hornets

After a rock-solid start to the 2025-2026 season, Avdija has been slowed by injuries over the last month. Avdija is currently being slowed by a back injury that forced him out in the first minute of the Blazers’ Sunday night game against the Phoenix Suns.

Avdija has yet to return to the court since then, missing Portland’s last two games. He is listed as doubtful on Saturday and expected to miss his third straight contest.

Interim head coach Tiago Splitter has turned to Kris Murray in Avdija’s absence. Murray enters Saturday’s game off consecutive double-digit efforts and is slated to receive his 14th start of the season against the Hornets. He will join Jrue Holiday, Toumani Camara, Jerami Grant and Donovan Clingan in the Blazers’ starting lineup.

Clingan is listed as questionable after missing the Blazers’ last game with an illness. If he misses another game, expect Scoot Henderson to remain in the opening lineup.

Holiday and Grant have picked up the scoring slack in Avdija’s absence, with Henderson absorbing additional minutes off the bench. Holiday is currently on his best stretch of the season, averaging 18.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists in February.

With Avdija trending toward missing another game, expect the same Blazers team that just collected a 121-112 win over the Chicago Bulls on Thursday to face the Hornets.

Blazers injury report

Deni Avdija — Doubtful, Lower back injury management

Sidy Cissoko — Questionable, Illness

Donovan Clingan — Questionable, Illness

Damian Lillard — OUT, Left Achilles tendon management

Caleb Love — OUT, G League

Shaedon Sharpe — Left fibula stress reaction

Hornets injury report

Tosan Evbuomwan — OUT, G League

PJ Hall — OUT, G League

Liam McNeely — OUT, G League

Antonio Reeves — OUT, G League

Tidjane Salaun — OUT, G League

The post Is Deni Avdija playing today? Blazers vs. Hornets injury report appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Avdija, 25, made his first All-Star team this season. He has played well, but injuries have been a concern at times for the Blazers guard. Overall, Avdija has appeared in 48 of the Blazers’ 59 contests heading into Thursday’s matchup.

Here’s everything we know about Deni Avdija’s injury status for tonight’s game vs. the Bulls.

Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (Get Access | Save $30)*

Devi Avdija’s injury status vs. Bulls

Avdija is listed as out for Thursday’s game due to low back injury management, according to the NBA injury report.

Portland has a 28-31 overall record. The Blazers are competing for a play-in spot, as they currently sit in ninth place in the Western Conference standings. As for the Bulls, Chicago is 24-35 and in 12th place in the Eastern Conference.

As for the question of if Deni Avdija is playing tonight vs. the Bulls, the answer is no.

Blazers’ injury report

The Trail Blazers have six players listed on Thursday’s injury report.

• Robert Williams III (right foot soreness): Questionable
• Hansen Yang (mid back soreness): Questionable
• Deni Avdija (low back injury management): Out
• Damian Lillard (left Achilles tendon injury management): Out
• Shaedon Sharpe (left calf fibula stress reaction): Out
• Caleb Love (G League two-way): Out

Bulls’ injury report

The Bulls have six players listed on the injury report.

• Patrick Williams (right quadricep strain): Doubtful
• Jalen Smith (right calf strain): Doubtful
• Zach Collins (right 1st toe surgery): Out
• Noa Essengue (left shoulder surgery): Out
• Jaden Ivey (left patellofemoral pain syndrome): Out
• Anfernee Simons (left ulnar styloid fracture): Out

The post Is Deni Avdija playing tonight? Blazers vs. Bulls injury report appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The Blazers provided an update on the former 22-year-old Sharpe on Tuesday, via a social media post on X, formerly Twitter.

“Trail Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe continues to receive treatment associated with a left calf strain. Follow-up imaging has revealed a stress reaction of the left fibula. Sharpe will be re-evaluated in approximately four-to-six weeks to allow for adequate healing before beginning a progressive return to full basketball activity,” the update read.

Considering the timeline, there is a real possibility that Sharpe will not suit up for another game this season for Portland. The Trail Blazers will have played 15 games four weeks from the latest injury update on Sharpe and seven more on the sixth week of the timeline. Simply put, the outlook on Sharpe this season is not great, as the Trail Blazers look to continue fighitng for a spot in the NBA Playoffs.

Sharpe last saw action in a Feb. 6 game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Moda Center in Portland, where he apparently sustained the injury. He left that contest in the second quarter and did not return.

The injury is a big blow for the Trail Blazers, as Sharpe is one of the team’s most important players. He is second on the squad in scoring so far this season with an average of 21.4 points per game to go with 4.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists per contest while shooting 45.6 percent from the floor and 34.0 percent from behind the arc.

The update on Sharpe, who was selected by the Trail Balzers seventh overall in the first round of the 2022 NBA Draft, further adds to Portland’s headaches on the injury front, as it is also without NBA All-Star Deni Avdija at the moment due to a back injury.

That means the Trail Blazers will be without their top two scorers when then lock horns with the Minnesota Timberwolves at home Tuesday night.

The post Blazers’ Shaedon Sharpe suffers another injury setback, putting rest of season in doubt appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Avdija has had a fantastic season for the Blazers, earning his first All-Star selection while putting up career-highs across the board. In those first 40 games, Deni Avdija averaged 26.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 6.9 assists while shooting 46.8 percent from the field and 35.5 percent from three.

But the Trail Blazers forward suffered a back injury in the team’s road home loss against the New York Knicks on January 11th. It was a game where he played a little over 38 minutes but admitted after the game he might have to miss some time.

Avdija would go on to miss three games, before returning and playing well in a win against the Sacramento Kings, putting up 30 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists in the win. But the back injury flared up again four days later in the team’s next game against the Miami Heat. Avdija played just 17 minutes before departing and not returning.

This began a 18-game stretch in which Avdija played just eight games, and no more than two complete games in a row, if that.

Coming out of the All-Star break, Deni Avdija played 30 minutes in a 54-point loss against the Nuggets and appeared fine despite the blowout nature of the game. But just 59 seconds into Portland’s contest against the Phoenix Suns, Avdija gingerly walked over to the bench to ask to be subbed out after a post-up attempt and did not return with yet another back flare up.

Just a minute into the game and Deni Avdija head to the locker room due to a lower back injury (with a replay)

I also included the plays he was involved him beforehand#RipCity

דקה לתוך המשחק ודני אבדיה יורד לחדר ההלבשה בשל פציעה בגב תחתון

זה כבר באמת מתחיל להדאיג.

כולל את… pic.twitter.com/quMypKDl9p

— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) February 23, 2026

Acting head coach Tiago Splitter spoke about Avdija’s injury postgame and how the team rallied to beat the Suns despite playing without their leading ball-handler and playmaker.

“Deni, like I said, he was questionable, he felt good before the game,” Splitter said. “His back just… He felt it again, we lose him and it’s not easy. The team had to kind of figure it out offensively, but I think defensively, everybody stepped up and did an amazing job.”

Splitter also mentioned that the Trail Blazers may explore the possibility of sitting Avdija for longer as they diving deeper into the root of his recurring back injuries.

“Well, I’m not a doctor, but yes,” Splitter responded when asked about the possibility of shutting down Deni Avdija. “I’ve got to probably see what’s going on and dive deep there to see what’s really happening.”

At this stage, the Portland Trail Blazers need to do right by Avdija and have him sit out until his back is as close to 100 percent as possible. He’s already scheduled to miss Tuesday night’s game against Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves, but he should be benched for significantly more time in order to let his back properly heal.

The problem is that the Trail Blazers desperately need their All-Star forward as they continue to battle with the Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, and LA Clippers for positioning in the play-in tournament.

Entering Tuesday night, the seventh seeded Suns have a give game lead on the Blazers and the Warriors hold a 2.5 game lead. Meanwhile, the Clippers are sitting just a half-game behind Portland in the standings.

Additionally, Deni Avdija’s Trail Blazers have lost the season series against the Suns, 2-1, won the season series against the Warriors, 3-1, and trail the season series against the Clippers, 2-0, with the final two matchups remaining in the final three weeks of the season.

The post Deni Avdija needs to be shut down by the Trail Blazers appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The Blazers hit rare NBA history instead in the 92-77 rout on Sunday.

Per OptaSTATS, here’s the defensive accomplishment Portland has hit.

Impressive defensive moments on Blazers’ side

The post Trail Blazers pull off historic feat with wild 2-game swing appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The 25-year-old Avdija saw action for just a minute before leaving the game with an apparent back issue.

The Trail Blazers later announced that he is done for the rest of the evening at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix.

“INJURY UPDATE: Deni Avdija (Low Back) will not return to tonight’s game @ PHX,” Portland shared via a social media post on X, formerly Twitter.

The concerning update on Avdija has prompted some interesting reactions from Portland fans.

“Literally shouldn’t have played. He was the last leg on my parlay. Lost because he played 1 minute,” said a fan.

“Rest Deni until he is fully healthy,” a social media user shared.

Hopefully not done for the year pic.twitter.com/jWk3kQ440x

— Michael J. Guidice (@MJG503) February 23, 2026

“Please just let him rest man we don’t want injury to ruin another star’s career,” commented a fan on X.

“Deni just cashing paychecks this year. Tired of carrying the whole fn team. Whose back wouldn’t hurt?” another one said.

Avdija’s back has bothered him in the 2025-26 NBA season, and it has forced him to miss nine games already in this campaign. He was listed as questionable for the meeting with the Suns, but something clearly did not go right that led to his early exit from the contest. He looked good, however, in last Friday’s game against the Denver Nuggets at home, where he logged 30 minutes and scored 15 points to go along with 13 assists.

The post Trail Blazers’ Deni Avdija leaves game vs Suns with back injury appeared first on ClutchPoints.

*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)*

Deni Avdija injury status vs. Suns

The Blazers have other players sidelined aside from Avdija. Damian Lillard remains out due to left Achilles tendon injury management. Shaedon Sharpe has a left calf strain, and Caleb Love is on a G League two-way assignment. Yang Hansen is also out while on assignment. As of Sunday morning, Phoenix had not yet submitted its official injury report.

Avdija has been a breakout force in 2025-26. He is averaging roughly 25 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.8 assists while serving as a primary ball-handler. His all-around production earned him Western Conference Player of the Week honors in early January. He has also posted multiple 30-point outings despite managing the lingering back issue.

Portland (27-30) enters the contest looking to rebound from a 157-103 loss to Denver. That was an NBA season high for points scored in a game. Phoenix (33-24), seventh in the West, recently edged Orlando and has won the first two meetings in this season series. With both teams navigating injuries, Avdija’s status could heavily influence Sunday’s outcome at the Mortgage Matchup Center.

So, when it comes to whether Deni Avdija is playing tonight vs. the Suns, the answer is his status remains questionable.

Trail Blazers injury report

• Deni Avdija – Questionable (Low Back; Injury Management)
• Javonte Cooke – Out (G League – Two-Way)
• Damian Lillard – Out (Left Achilles; Injury Management)
• Caleb Love – Out (G League – Two-Way)
• Shaedon Sharpe – Out (Left Calf; Strain)
• Yang Hansen – Out (G League – On Assignment)

Suns injury report

N/A

The post Is Deni Avdija playing tonight? Blazers vs. Suns injury report appeared first on ClutchPoints.

They delivered one in emphatic fashion. On Friday night, the Nuggets obliterated the Portland Trail Blazers 157-103.

Nikola Jokic led the charge and delivered one of his best performances since returning from injury. He finished the night with 32 points on 10-of-15 shooting. He was also 3-of-4 from three-point range.

“We had a really good game. Everybody stepped up, everybody played with a lot of energy,” said Jokic. “Defense was playing on a high level. We were making shots. We had a good start, like really, it was a perfect game for us.”

Nuggets bounce back with massive win over Trail Blazers

The Nuggets’ 157 points are the most any team has scored in a single game this season. From a franchise perspective, it’s the seventh-highest total in franchise history. The 54-point margin of victory also stands as the second-largest win in franchise history.

“We were creating open looks. The ball was going in, then you feel confident,” Jokic continued. “We were playing for each other out there.”

The entire Nuggets roster put on a show, with seven players ending the night in double figures scoring. Jamal Murray was lethal from deep, going 6-of-12 on three-point attempts. He would finish the night with 25 points, six rebounds, and six assists. Julian Strawther, who was placed in the starting lineup, continued his hot streak with 19 points on 9-of-16 shooting. Whenever Strawther was on the court, the Nuggets were a mind-boggling +48.

The Nuggets will finish up their short road trip when they visit the Golden State Warriors on Sunday.

The post Nikola Jokic leads charge as Nuggets crush Trail Blazers by 54 appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The two caught up near mid-court during pregame warmups, a lighthearted moment that surely calmed some nerves for the 20-year-old rookie. Hansen has been vocal about his admiration for the Denver Nuggets superstar since Portland selected him 16th overall last summer.

Yang Hansen has spoken about how much he admires Nikola Jokić. Here’s the two catching up before tonight’s game in Portland. pic.twitter.com/XkTgri9gS4

— Katy Winge (@katywinge) February 21, 2026

He even famously joked during All-Star weekend that he “couldn’t wait to kiss” the three-time MVP. Jokic, ever the wit, had previously set a humorous condition for a photo op: he’d only take one if Hansen promised to play poorly against him.

While the game hasn’t tipped off yet, the stakes for both teams couldn’t be higher. The Nuggets arrive in Portland looking to solidify their standing at the top of the Western Conference, led by Jokic and his MVP-caliber season. For the Trail Blazers, tonight serves as a massive litmus test for their young core.

Hansen enters the matchup averaging 6.4 points and 3.2 assists in limited minutes, but his vision has already made him a fan favorite in Rip City. Facing the man he modeled his game after provides the ultimate learning opportunity.

Whether Hansen manages to out-pass the master or Jokic takes the young rookie to school, the pregame handshake confirmed one thing: the “Joker” influence has officially gone global. Portland fans are eager to see if Hansen can translate that courtside chat into some magic on the hardwood tonight.

The post Blazers’ Yang Hansen links up with Nikola Jokic before Nuggets showdown appeared first on ClutchPoints.

It was the third career three-point contest win for Lillard, who is currently sidelined due to an Achilles injury but still wanted to take part in the event, and now, the former All-Star is previewing what the contest might look like in the 2027 season.

“Me, you, Klay, Book, and 4 more real shooters,” wrote Lillard in a message to Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry, that he posted on social media (via Lillard’s account on Instagram).

Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson have had some iconic three-point contest battles with Lillard over the years, and Devin Booker has also inserted his name into that discussion in recent seasons, winning one three-point battle and very nearly another on Saturday evening before he tapered off down the stretch during the final round.

Meanwhile, the Blazers and their fans will be hoping that Lillard can continue to perform at an elite level on the court when he returns to action next year. Lillard rejoined the Portland franchise this past offseason after being waived by the Milwaukee Bucks, and although he is currently still rehabbing an Achilles injury that he suffered during last year’s playoffs, he figures to provide some much-needed perimeter playmaking and shooting for a Blazers team that has been on the rise in the Western Conference this year.

On Sunday, Blazers fans got to watch young star Deni Avdija play on the World Team in the All-Star game, and Portland will next hit the floor on Friday evening against the Denver Nuggets.

The post Blazers’ Damian Lillard ready for ‘lit’ 2027 3-Point Contest alongside Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Devin Booker appeared first on ClutchPoints.

By capturing his third 3-Point Contest title, the Portland Trail Blazers star joined NBA legends Larry Bird and Craig Hodges as the only players to win the event three times. For Lillard, however, the achievement is not about a singular moment of brilliance but the ability to stay at the mountaintop for over a decade.

“I think that I have had a lot of moments,” Lillard said after his victory. “The most legacy-defining thing is not being great in a flash, but being able to sustain that well over a decade.”

Damian Lillard speaks on what he believes his legacy is

“I think that I have had a lot of moments… the most legacy-defining thing is not being great in a flash, but being able to sustain that well over a decade."

(via @NBA)
pic.twitter.com/b0ZkbZ6XSE

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 15, 2026

The win was especially poignant given Lillard’s current situation. He has not played a single minute for the Trail Blazers this season as he recovers from a torn Achilles tendon suffered during the 2025 playoffs. Despite the “rust,” Lillard looked remarkably comfortable under the bright lights of Los Angeles. After putting up 27 points in the opening round, he turned it up in the finals.

Lillard posted a final-round score of 29, putting the pressure on Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker and Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel. Booker, a former champion himself, put on a clinic early in the final round by hitting nine consecutive shots.

However, with the title on the line, Booker missed his final three “money ball” attempts, finishing with 27 points. Knueppel, the high-flying rookie, finished third with 15 points.

Lillard’s third crown, adding to his wins in 2023 and 2024, serves as a reminder of his enduring greatness. While he remains sidelined for the remainder of the regular season, “Dame Time” proved it still has plenty of battery life left.

The post Blazers’ Damian Lillard reflects on his legacy after 3-Point shooting win: ‘How long can you be great?’ appeared first on ClutchPoints.

"Guys know that I'm real competition."

Damian Lillard talks to @ChrisBHaynes about joining the @StateFarm NBA 3-Point Contest when a slot had become available! pic.twitter.com/PtEncrsEK7

— NBA TV (@NBATV) February 15, 2026

The nine-time All-Star admitted the decision to join was almost a joke at first. While discussing vacation plans with NBA executives, Lillard mentioned he was available if a slot opened up. When it did, he jumped at the chance to “spice things up” and give the fans something to cheer for during his long road to recovery.

Lillard barely looked like a player who had not seen game action in ten months. He navigated the first round with a steady 27 points, enough to eliminate Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell and advance to the finals alongside Devin Booker and rookie sensation Kon Knueppel. In the championship round, Lillard set the bar high with a score of 29, finding his rhythm on the left wing and the “money ball” rack.

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker nearly stole the show, starting the final round by hitting nine consecutive shots. However, the pressure of the moment caught up to him on the final rack. Booker missed his last three attempts, finishing with 27 points and handing the trophy to Lillard.

Knueppel, the Charlotte Hornets rookie, finished third with 15 points in the final. For Lillard, the win was more than just hardware; it was a reminder to the league that even on one good leg, he remains one of the greatest marksmen the game has ever seen.

The post Why Blazers’ Damian Lillard didn’t take much convincing to join 3-Point Contest appeared first on ClutchPoints.

While accepting his award, the 35-year-old point guard was asked what was on his mind while watching Booker take his turn in the three-point contest. Lillard hilariously admitted that he was “praying” for the Suns star’s “downfall.”

“I was praying on his downfall,” claimed Lillard.

"I was praying on his downfall"

Damian Lillard on what he was thinking watching Devin Booker in the final round

pic.twitter.com/4329tM90fm https://t.co/bci6DfMFGu

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 14, 2026

It seemingly worked, as Devin Booker failed to surpass Damian Lillard’s 29 points in the championship round. The victory is Lillard’s third Three-Point Contest win in his career. He joins  Larry Bird and Craig Hodges as the only three players in league history to win the contest three times.

With the contest over, Lillard will likely go back to nursing his Achilles tendon tear in preparation for the 2026-27 campaign. The nine-time All-Star is not expected to return at all this season, even if the Trail Blazers reach the playoffs. In the meantime, Portland will continue leaning on Deni Avdija and its young roster. The club is No. 9 in the Western Conference at the All-Star Break.

Damian Lillard signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Trail Blazers last offseason after the Milwaukee Bucks waived him. His deal includes a no-trade clause, so there is a chance Lillard ends his career in Portland. Through 13 years in the league, Lillard owns career averages of 25.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game, along with a 43.9% career field goal percentage and 37.1% three-point percentage.

The post Damian Lillard admits to ‘praying’ on Devin Booker’s ‘downfall’ in 3-Point Contest appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The star point guard, who has not and probably will not play a single game this season, overcame a lengthy layoff and fierce competitors like Devin Booker and rookie Kon Knueppel to reclaim his throne during NBA All-Star Weekend. He joins Larry Bird and Craig Hodges as the only players in NBA history to win the event three times. Booker was poised to snatch the trophy, but Lillard’s 30-point showing in the final round narrowly held up.

Although it has been a while since the seven-time All-NBA selection has taken an official 3-pointer, fans were hit with a reminder that it is still indeed Dame Time.

Damian Lillard stuns the masses

“He’s {for real} one of the greatest to ever do it he won the three point contest with half of an Achilles,” @JDCowboys2 remarked. “Almost shed tears this man been through a lot {for real},” @rozaydaghost commented. “What an amazing chapter added to his story.”

“From Achilles tear to 3x 3PT champ in just a year?” @loftymimi marveled. “Dame is built different. Pure inspiration.” While many fans were in awe of Lillard’s still-smooth shooting stroke, others were equally astonished by the NBA’s decision to allow him to compete in the All-Star Weekend staple despite missing the entire campaign. Someone obviously lost the chance to enter the 3-point contest because of the 35-year-old’s involvement.

“Insane talent but let’s be real — giving a spot to a guy with 0 games played this season over active shooters feels like pure NBA entertainment marketing,” @Youngsixtus expressed. “Congrats tho Dame.”

“This is peak disrespect to the rest of the league,” @coldog05 declared. “Damian Lillard out here dominating a skill contest while literally doing nothing else all season. Insane.”

Whether or not fans believe Lillard should have competed, he deserves ample praise for outdoing everyone else at well less than full strength. History will remember the event for the nine-time All-Star’s prowess and perseverance, and it will probably gloss over the lack of NBA minutes he logged this season.

Perhaps more than anything, this stunning display gives Blazers fans a huge reason to look forward to next season.

The post Blazers’ Damian Lillard winning 3-Point Contest has NBA world going wild appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Lillard is now only the third player ever to become a three-time winner of the annual contest. That places him in the same category with Craig Hodges (1990, 1991, and 1992) and Larry Bird (1986, 1987 and 1988).

The longtime Blazer looked like he never had any rust in his shooting touch. He also sparked a lot of “Rip City” hashtags in his triumphant NBA All-Star return — this time in his second stint with Portland.

Damian Lillard's 1st Round Score: 27

He advances to the Final Round of the @StateFarm NBA 3-Point Contest!

Tap to watch: https://t.co/BpnjnxQ8vC pic.twitter.com/Yfq4APy9Fb

— NBA (@NBA) February 14, 2026

Lillard fired on all cylinders right away in nailing 27 baskets. And he appeared amid one notable setback attached to him.

Blazers’ Damian Lillard looked unfazed by recent injury

Lillard appeared in the competition despite missing the entire 2025-26 season.

The perennial all-star tore his Achilles before his return to Portland. He sustained the injury during the final days of his Milwaukee Bucks run. This season became viewed as more of a “reset” season — but that also meant Blazer fans needed to wait on “Dame Time” a little longer.

Well, fans of the “Rip City” received the vintage version of Lillard. Those fans watched the same flawless shooting stroke that turned him into a beloved superstar in their city.

Perhaps this is also a sign that those same Blazer fans will get the all-star version of Lillard the moment he’s greenlit to return to the Blazers. But “Dame Time” claimed the spotlight inside the Inglewood venue.

The post Damian Lillard joins elite company with 3rd career 3-point Contest win appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The 35-year-old guard managed to win the three-point contest outright, per ESPN. He recorded a score of 29 in the championship round to beat Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker and Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel.

“DAMIAN LILLARD WINS THE 2026 3-PT CONTEST Less than a year from tearing his Achilles.”

Lillard was on fire throughout the three-point contest. The 13-year veteran (would be 14 if he played this season) recorded 27 points in the first round, 30 in the second round, and 29 in the championship round. He was no match for either Booker or Knueppel near the end of the contest.

Damian Lillard's 2nd Round Score: 30

He has the score to beat in the Final Round of the @StateFarm NBA 3-Point Contest!

Tap to watch: https://t.co/BpnjnxQ8vC pic.twitter.com/aMkcI3Liec

— NBA (@NBA) February 14, 2026

This is Damian Lillard’s third three-point contest victory in his career. He’s been one of the league’s best shooters, as he earned the nickname “Logo Lillard” due to his ability to hit three-pointers consistently out near midcourt range. Winning the three-point contest also hints that the nine-time All-Star could be in prime form when he eventually returns from injury.

Lillard suffered a torn Achilles tendon in the 2024-25 playoffs in the Milwaukee Bucks’ 129-103 Game 4 loss to the Indiana Pacers. Milwaukee waived Damian Lillard after the season, which led to him signing a three-year, $42 million contract to return to the Trail Blazers. His deal also includes a no-trade clause.

Damian Lillard is not expected to play this season, even if Portland makes the playoffs. With the Trail Blazers slowly improving the roster, the club could be ultra-competitive upon Lillard’s return next season.

The post Damian Lillard flashes vintage form with 3-point contest victory appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The energy inside the building surged as the two giants squared off, turning a friendly exhibition into a high-stakes battle for locker room bragging rights.

The highlight of the night arrived when Hansen isolated against Clingan at the top of the key. Hansen, the skilled 7-foot-3 center from China, gave a quick shoulder shimmy before selling a jump shot fake that completely fooled his teammate.

Teammate on teammate crime!

Yang Hansen FAKES OUT Donovan Clingan for the bucket inside

pic.twitter.com/Gw4YBup6Lo

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 14, 2026

Clingan bit hard on the move, lunging toward the perimeter as Hansen calmly glided past him toward the rim. Hansen finished the play with an easy bucket and a cheeky grin, clearly enjoying the chance to put his fellow rookie on a highlight reel.

Hansen finished as the high-point man for Team Austin, tallying 10 points and one rebound while going 4 of 5 from the free-throw line. Team Melo eventually secured a 65-60 victory, but Hansen’s offensive versatility was the talk of the arena.

On the other side, Clingan proved why he is a defensive menace, recording 3 rebounds, though those defensive stats might not be enough to live down the pump fake just yet.

The game reached a fever pitch when Dylan Harper drained a game-winning shot over his brother, Ron Harper Jr., but the internal rivalry of the Trail Blazers provided the most entertaining subplot of the evening.

Portland has invested heavily in its frontcourt, and seeing both players thrive on a national stage confirms the franchise is heading in the right direction.

The post Blazers’ Yang Hansen fakes out Donovan Clingan for Rising Stars bucket appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Clingan is halfway through the sophomore season of his NBA career with the Trail Blazers. He has secured a full-time starting role as he settled in as a potent double-double threat inside the paint.

In 31 minutes of action, the young center was active inside the 3-point line. He finished with a stat line of 23 points, 18 rebounds, seven assists, and three blocks. He shot 8-of-12 from the field and 7-of-9 from the free-throw line. His efforts ended up making franchise history, replicating one of Pippen’s vintage performances in the process.

“He’s the 1st Trail Blazers player with 20-15-5 and 0 turnovers since Scottie Pippen on Feb. 4, 2003,” the post read, via ESPN.

Donovan Clingan finished with 23 PTS, 18 REB, 7 AST, and 0 TO against the Jazz Thursday.

He’s the 1st Trail Blazers player with 20-15-5 and 0 turnovers since Scottie Pippen on Feb. 4, 2003. pic.twitter.com/QxsJBFOxAQ

— ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) February 13, 2026

How Donovan Clingan, Blazers played against Jazz

Donovan Clingan showed off his scoring efficiency and willingness to crash the glass, helping the Trail Blazers take down the Jazz 135-119.

The game was competitive as Utah even led 63-61 at halftime. Despite this, Portland boomed with a 40-23 display in the third quarter, something that the hosts never recovered from.

Seven players scored in double-digits for Portland in the win, including Clingan. Jrue Holiday dominated with a performance of 31 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. He shot 10-of-15 overall, including 4-of-8 from downtown, and 7-of-9 from the charity stripe.  Jerami Grant came next with 18 points and three rebounds, Scoot Henderson had 15 points and four assists, while Toumani Camara put up 14 points and eight rebounds. Meanwhile, Caleb Love and Vit Krejci provided 11 points each.

Portland improved to a 27-29 record on the season, holding the ninth spot in the Western Conference standings. They have a tiebreaker advantage over the Los Angeles Clippers and are above the Memphis Grizzlies by 5.5 games. However, they trail the Golden State Warriors by 2.5 games and the Phoenix Suns by 5.5 games.

The Blazers are officially on rest mode due to the upcoming All-Star Weekend festivities in Los Angeles. They will resume next week when they host the Denver Nuggets on Feb. 20 at 10 p.m. ET.

The post Donovan Clingan is 1st Trail Blazers player to achieve this crazy stat line since Scottie Pippen appeared first on ClutchPoints.

While he will soon be making his season debut during All-Star weekend, taking part in the 3-point contest as he works back from injury, Lillard has been able to watch what Tiego Spliter’s squad looks like up close and personal in order to envision what kind of team he will be rejoining next fall when the season opens up.

Asked about this unusual process by the team before the All-Star break, Lillard noted that he’s been proud to see his teammates get better every day, as he believes they are really coming together in a promising way.

“Just watching the growth from, you know, the first day back here to now, seeing guys get more comfortable in their roles, start to understand the game more and more, how to win, you know, what gives us our best chance, guys finding themselves coming into their own,” Lillard said. “It’s just a beautiful thing to see, and you just, you can see the potential of our team. I can really see, you know, where I fit into this team and where I can elevate this team. And I’m just excited to be a part of it.”

Turning his attention to the future, Lillard noted he’s excited to help his young teammates out, as there’s a new crop of NBA players who are ready to take over the league from his generation.

“I think with how the league is changing, you know, it’s kind of a transition period of the league right now,” Lillard noted. “A lot of the stars, you know, from my younger years in the league, you know, are starting to kind of age out and, you know, others are kind of having their last best years. And then you start to see younger stars kind of come in and, you know, I think OKC is one of the teams that are like a younger team that’s kind of taking that spot. But it’s a lot of room for teams to come in and be amongst those elite teams. And I think our team is, we definitely have the talent to do it. You know, we’ve added experience along with that talent and, you know, we’re growing in that direction. I think we have opportunity to be in that mix, especially once we’re fully healthy, like you said. And I look forward to being a part of that mission.”

Sitting at 26-28 in ninth place in the Western Conference, the Blazers have exceeded plenty of expectations in 2025-26, especially considering they lost their expected head coach, Chauncey Billups, before opening night. If the team’s young players can take a step forward, who knows? Maybe Lillard could take them over the top and allow Portland to make waves in 2027.

Dame’s locked in for next season pic.twitter.com/QSYtuP81mS

— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) February 11, 2026

The post Damian Lillard reveals what he’s looking forward to most in Trail Blazers’ 2026-27 season appeared first on ClutchPoints.

*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)*

Joel Embiid injury status vs. Blazers

Given that Joel Embiid is questionable on the injury report, it’s difficult to gauge whether he’ll be suiting up or not. Embiid has been a fixture on the injury report these days, which could evolve into him playing agianst the Blazers. Considering his questionable status for Monday’s game, Embiid could turn out to be a game-time decision. 

Ahead of the final two games before the All-Star break, the 76ers could elect to sit him for Monday’s matchup. The 76ers will host the Knicks on Wednesday, which will be their final game before the break. If Embiid doesn’t face the Blazers, Wednesday’s matchup will be his next opportunity to suit up for Philly.

The 76ers have won six of their last seven games, including victories against the Phoenix Suns, the Golden State Warriors, and the Los Angeles Clippers amid their four-game road trip. At the same time, the Blazers are hoping to extend their winning streak to three, coming off a pair of wins against the Grizzlies without All-Star Deni Avdija.

Avdija is on the verge of missing his fifth consecutive game for the Blazers. Still, he could make a return for Monday’s matchup against the 76ers. Is Deni Avdija playing tonight vs. the 76ers has a 50/50 response in terms of his chances of making a return from his back injury.

As for the question is Joel Embiid playing tonight vs. Blazers, the answer is maybe.

76ers injury report

Joel Embiid — Questionable — Right knee injury management

Paul George — Out — League suspension

Kelly Oubre Jr. — Available — Left knee injury recovery; brace

Blazers injury report

Deni Avdija — Questionable — Low back strain

Scoot Henderson — Probable — Left hamstring strain injury management

Damian Lillard — Out — Left Achilles tendon; injury management

Kris Murray — Out — Lumbar strain

Shaedon Sharpe — Out — Left calf soreness

Matisse Thybulle — Out — Right knee tendinopathy

Robert Williams III — Questionable — Left knee; injury management

The post Are Joel Embiid, Deni Avdija playing tonight? 76ers vs. Blazers injury report appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Many have already shared their thoughts on Lillard joining the contest, and they are surprised, while others are giving him props for competing while still recovering from injury.

“In a time where All-Stars aren’t trying in the All-Star game and no one wants to compete in the Dunk Contest. Damian Lillard joining the 3 Point Contest while recovering from a torn Achilles is refreshing man. Shout out to him,” one user wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

“I’m not gonna lie. I didn’t notice that Damian Lillard was in the 3-point contest because I was so distracted by Bobby Portis being on there. Respectfully,” another user wrote.

“Damian Lillard has made 0 3pt fg this year,” a third user wrote.

Lillard has participated in five 3-Point contests, and this will make it his sixth. He won back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024, and he’ll be looking to win his third one this time around. Lillard has been known as one of the better three-point shooters in the league throughout his career, and one of the best from beyond 30 feet.

It will be interesting to see how Lillard performs during the contest, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if the other contestants stepped up their game so he won’t win a third title. It would also be a huge storyline if Lillard were to win while not playing at all this season because of injury.

Lillard tore his Achilles tendon in the playoffs last season with the Milwaukee Bucks.

The post NBA fans in shock at Damian Lillard’s 3-Point Contest participation appeared first on ClutchPoints.

“Damian Lillard, who is recovering from a torn Achilles, will participate in the 3-Point Contest in a week,” Siegel wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Lillard is no stranger to the 3-Point Contest, as he’s participated in five of them. He won back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024, and he’ll be looking to win his third one this time around.

Over his career, Lillard has been known as one of the better three-point shooters in the league and one of the best long-range shooters alongside Stephen Curry. There’s no doubt that he’s going to give it his all in this contest, and players may be more motivated to win since Lillard is in it now.

Lillard tore his Achilles tendon last season in the playoffs with the Milwaukee Bucks, and he’s been recovering since then. During the offseason, the Bucks waived and stretched him, which led to his return to the Trail Blazers, where he started his NBA career is beloved by the city.

There’s a good chance that Lillard will be back to full health next season for the Trail Blazers. As of now, they’re doing what they can with what they have, and they’re currently ninth in the Western Conference.

If they’re able to compete in the Play-In, that would be a big step for where they’ve been over the past few seasons, as they’ve played well enough this year to do so.

The post Blazers’ Damian Lillard in 3-Point Contest despite not playing this season appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Sharpe exited the game after playing 14 minutes in the first half. Before leaving, he recorded two points on 2-of-2 free throws, two rebounds, and two assists, while missing both of his field-goal attempts. Portland announced at halftime that Sharpe would not return due to a sore left calf, and Sidy Cissoko replaced him in the starting lineup to open the third quarter. The team did not disclose the severity of the injury.

Sharpe, who signed a four-year, $90 million contract extension with the Blazers last October, is averaging 21.4 points per game in 30.0 minutes, along with 4.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.4 steals over 48 games. He is shooting 45.6 percent from the field, 34.0 percent from three-point range, and 78.4 percent from the free-throw line, with a true shooting percentage of 55.0.

If the 22-year-old misses additional time, increased minutes could be available for Cissoko, Vit Krejci, and Blake Wesley, all of whom are already part of Portland’s rotation.

Sharpe’s early exit didn’t stop the Blazers from taking charge once they settled into the game. Portland was behind 36–25 after the first quarter and was down by as many as 15 points, but rallied to take a 68–64 lead into halftime. The Blazers outscored Memphis 67–51 in the second half, including a 38–23 third quarter that put the game out of reach.

Jerami Grant led Portland with 23 points, while Jrue Holiday added 20 points and seven assists. Eight Blazers finished in double figures, including Krejci and Scoot Henderson, who scored 11 points each. Making his season debut after recovering from a left hamstring injury, Henderson played just over 21 minutes and racked up 11 points, nine assists, five rebounds, and one steal, but he also had five turnovers and four fouls.

Donovan Clingan controlled the paint with 13 points and 17 rebounds, seven of them on the offensive glass. His effort helped Portland grab 13 second-chance points against a Grizzlies team lacking size.

The teams will meet again Saturday night in Portland before the Trail Blazers host the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday.

The post Blazers’ Shaedon Sharpe exits Grizzlies game with calf injury appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Henderson hasn’t been able to make his season debut throughout the 2025-26 NBA campaign prior to February. He has been dealing with a significant hamstring injury that has kept him on the sidelines since training camp. Throughout the season, Portland has had to rely on its depth at the position while Henderson recovered.

Fortunately for Portland, Henderson finally healed enough to make his return to the hardwood. Before entering the game, fans gave him a round of applause as they welcomed their young standout guard back from a serious injury.

Standing ovation for Scoot

After missing 51 games due to injury, the Trail Blazers guard is back in action! pic.twitter.com/LtBOKVwk0r

— NBA (@NBA) February 7, 2026

How Scoot Henderson, Blazers played against Grizzlies

Scoot Henderson was active throughout his season debut, helping the Trail Blazers end a six-game losing streak after blowing out the Grizzlies 135-115 at home.

Portland got off to a slow start against Memphis, trailing 36-25 after the first quarter. They responded with dominant displays in the second and third quarters, outscoring the Grizzlies 81-51 throughout that stretch. This paved the way for a convincing victory at home.

Eight players scored in double-digits for Portland in the win, including Henderson. He finished with a stat line of 11 points, nine assists, five rebounds, and one steal. He shot 4-of-10 from the field, including 2-of-7 from beyond the arc, and 1-of-2 from the free-throw line. Jerami Grant led the way with 23 points and two rebounds, Jrue Holiday came next with 20 points and seven assists, Toumani Camara had 15 points and four rebounds, while Donovan Clingan put up 13 points and 17 rebounds. Meanwhile, Robert Williams III provided 13 points and seven rebounds.

Portland improved to a 24-28 record on the season, holding the 10th spot in the Western Conference standings. They are above the Grizzlies by three games and the Dallas Mavericks by 4.5 games. However, they trail the Los Angeles Clippers by 0.5 games and the Golden State Warriors by four games.

The Blazers will look forward to their next matchup, having a rematch with the Grizzlies at home. That contest will take place on Feb. 7 at 10 p.m. ET.

The post Watch Blazers’ Scoot Henderson get a standing ovation before 2026 debut appeared first on ClutchPoints.

*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)*

Deni Avdija injury status vs. Grizzlies

Given that Deni Avdija is questionable on the injury report, it’s difficult to predict whether he’ll sit out for a second consecutive game. Avdija and Henderson are fixtures on the injury report these days, as Deni missed the Blazers’ first game since his first career All-Star selection this week. Henderson is expected to make his season debut in Friday’s matchup against the Grizzlies.

The Blazers will look to snap a six-game losing streak on Friday. After winning four consecutive games, capped by a 127-110 blowout victory over the Miami Heat, the team began a six-game skid with losses to the Boston Celtics, the Washington Wizards, the New York Knicks, and, most recently, the Phoenix Suns.

With Henderson back, and potentially Avdija, the Blazers will look to return to the win column in Friday’s matchup against the Grizzlies. Avdija will look to avoid his third straight absence amidst the best season of his career, with averages of 25.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.7 assists on 46.7/35.6/80.0 shooting splits.

As for whether Deni Avdija is playing tonight against the Grizzlies, the answer is maybe.

Blazers injury report

Deni Avdija — Questionable — Low back strain

Scoot Henderson — Probable — Left hamstring tear

Damian Lillard — Out — Left Achilles tendon injury management

Kris Murray — Out — Lumbar strain

Matisse Thybulle — Out — Right knee tendinopathy

Grizzlies injury report

Santi Aldama — Out — Right knee injury

Brandon Clarke — Out — Right calf strain

Zach Edey — Out — Right ankle; stress reaction

Eric Gordon — Out — Not with team

Ty Jerome — Out — Right calf injury management

Ja Morant — Out — Left elbow; UCL sprain

Scotty Pippen Jr. — Questionable — Left great toe; surgery recovery

The post Deni Avdija still on injury report vs. Grizzlies as Blazers try to end losing streak appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Henderson has yet to make his season debut throughout the 2025-26 NBA campaign. He has been dealing with a significant hamstring injury that has kept him on the sideline since training camp. Throughout the season, Portland has had to rely on its depth at the position while Henderson recovered.

Fortunately for the team, they finally got positive news about his return to the court, per NBA insider Marc Stein. He reported that interim head coach Tiago Splitter announced that Henderson will make his season debut when the Trail Blazers take on the Memphis Grizzlies.

“Trail Blazers coach Tiago Splitter announces that Scoot Henderson will make his season debut Friday against visiting Memphis,” Stein wrote.

What lies ahead for Scoot Henderson, Trail Blazers

It is huge news for the Trail Blazers to get about one of their best guards in Scoot Henderson.

Gearing up for his third season debut, Henderson has made strides in his offensive game while coming off the bench. Last season was a big step in the right direction for him when it came to improving his efficiency, averaging 12.7 points, 5.1 assists and three rebounds per game throughout 61 appearances. He shot 41.7% from the field, including 35.4% from beyond the arc, and 76.7% from the free-throw line.

Portland has a 23-28 record so far this season, sitting in 10th place of the Western Conference standings. They are two games above the Memphis Grizzlies and 3.5 games above the Dallas Mavericks. However, they trail the Los Angeles Clippers by 0.5 games and the Golden State Warriors by four games.

The Blazers continue preparations for their upcoming matchup against the Grizzlies, taking place on Feb. 6 at 10 p.m. ET. After that, they face Memphis on the second of a back-to-back on Feb. 7 at 10 p.m. ET.

The post Trail Blazers’ Scoot Henderson to make season debut on Friday appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The Trail Blazers (23-27) host the Suns (30-20) at 8:00 p.m. PT, with Henderson now listed as doubtful as he continues to progress from a left hamstring tear suffered during training camp. The update marks a step forward in Henderson’s recovery as Portland searches for momentum during a difficult stretch of the season.

Henderson, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, has yet to make his season debut but recently returned to on-court work. Last Friday, it was revealed that the 22-year-old guard has resumed practicing with the team as he ramps up activity.

Interim head coach Tiago Splitter provided an update on Henderson’s progress following practice.

“He’s able to do some contact now,” Splitter said, per The Rose Garden Report’s Sean Highkin. “Getting better. I don’t have a date for you yet, but he’s doing a lot and feeling well after practice.”

Henderson appeared in 65 games last season, making 10 starts while averaging 12.7 points, 5.1 assists, and three rebounds per game. He also recorded one steal per contest while shooting 41.9% from the field and 35.4% from three-point range in 26.7 minutes per game. His potential return would provide Portland with an added ball-handling option as the team continues to evaluate its young core.

Scoot Henderson upgrade highlights broader injury uncertainty for Blazers

Portland’s injury report also includes forward Deni Avdija, who is listed as doubtful with a low back strain, and veteran guard Jrue Holiday, who is questionable due to personal reasons.

Avdija last appeared in the Blazers’ 127-97 loss to the New York Knicks on Friday, which concluded a three-game road trip. He finished with 11 points, five rebounds, three assists, and one block while shooting 4-for-14 from the field and 1-for-6 from beyond the arc in 28 minutes.

The 25-year-old forward is in the midst of a career season and recently earned his first All-Star selection for the upcoming All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles at Intuit Dome from Feb. 13-15. Avdija is averaging 25.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game while shooting 46.7% from the field and 35.6% from three-point range across 44 games, logging 34.6 minutes per contest.

Holiday, 35, is in his first season with Portland and has provided steady veteran production. He is averaging 14.3 points, 6.7 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 43% from the field and 35.3% from three in 21 games, including 19 starts. Holiday last played in the loss to New York, recording five points, four assists, and two rebounds in 22 minutes.

Following Tuesday’s matchup against Phoenix, Portland will continue its five-game homestand by hosting the Memphis Grizzlies (19-29) on Friday and Saturday. The Blazers currently sit 10th in the Western Conference standings and are aiming to stabilize their rotation as they push to climb the playoff picture.

The post Scoot Henderson upgraded on Blazers injury report vs. Suns appeared first on ClutchPoints.

BREAKING

Damian Lillard is working behind the scenes to recruit his friend and former teammate Giannis to Portland

per @JakeLFischer#RipCity pic.twitter.com/gReO8MXTkw

— RIPCITYY (@shaesharpeshow) February 2, 2026

Jrue Holiday, who won a title with Giannis in 2021, is also a member of the Blazers and could be a selling point. Portland controls Milwaukee’s draft capital for 2028, 2029, and 2030. The Bucks traded Holiday to the Boston Celtics in 2023 before he got sent to the Blazers this past offseason. Milwaukee let Lillard go in the summer in order to sign Myles Turner.

However, Fischer noted that there’s no indication Giannis has interest in reuniting with Lillard and Holiday in Portland. Fischer also believes it is still more likely than not that Giannis remains a member of the Bucks beyond the Thursday trade deadline. Milwaukee could just be using this week to gauge trade offers for Giannis and then revisit talks in the offseason when more teams could potentially be involved.

The Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves and New York Knicks have been mentioned as the top possible Giannis trade destinations as of right now. While the Blazers are trying to push their way into the mix, they could also potentially act as a facilitator for a multi-team trade even if they can’t land the Bucks superstar.

The post NBA rumors: Damian Lillard trying to recruit Giannis to Blazers, but it’s not working appeared first on ClutchPoints.

NBA correspondent Marc Stein first reported the news via X, noting that the injury will keep the versatile playmaker sidelined for the first time since he received the All-Star nod. The timing is a tough blow for Portland, as Avdija has been the engine behind their recent competitive stretch.

Losing Avdija strips 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 a rebound and ignite the fast break has transformed Portland’s offensive identity, making them much harder to scout than they were a year ago.

Without Avdija’s 6-foot-9 frame on the floor, head coach Chauncey Billups will likely lean more heavily on Jerami Grant and rookie Donovan Clingan to stabilize the frontcourt. Grant has been steady, but he lacks the playmaking vision that Avdija provides. The Blazers will also need an efficiency boost from Jrue Holiday, who will likely see an uptick in usage as the primary offensive initiator.

Facing the Cleveland Cavaliers is a daunting task even at full strength. Cleveland arrived in Portland boasting one of the league’s most suffocating defenses, led by the twin-tower duo of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Without Avdija’s ability to drive and kick, the Blazers risk becoming one-dimensional against a Cavs team that excels at protecting the rim.

In their previous meeting, a narrow Trail Blazers victory, Avdija had 27 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. His absence leaves a massive void in the stat sheet that several role players will have to fill by committee.

The Trail Blazers haven’t provided an official timeline for Avdija’s return, though “low back strain” often suggests a day-to-day evaluation. Portland fans will be holding their breath, hoping their new All-Star isn’t out of commission for long.

The post Trail Blazers’ Deni Avdija to miss first game since All-Star nod vs Cavaliers appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Reports indicate that the Hawks are adding Reath and two future second-round picks, according to Shams Charania of ESPN. The team is sending guard Vit Krejci to the Trail Blazers.

“The Atlanta Hawks are trading guard Vit Krejci to the Portland Trail Blazers for Duop Reath and two future second-round picks, sources tell ESPN.”

Charania also explains how this move opens up roster space for the Hawks, as Reath suffered a season-ending injury. The 29-year-old center underwent surgery to repair a stress fracture in his right foot on January 29. Duop Reath played 32 games this season before sustaining the injury, averaging 2.9 points and 1.2 rebounds while shooting 44.6% from the field and 41.8% from beyond the three-point line.

Reath joins a Hawks team that is dealing with several kinds of injuries in the center position. Starting center Onyeka Okongwu is expected to miss some time after suffering a serious mouth injury that requires surgery. Additionally, Kristaps Porzingis has been dealing with problems all season, most recently an Achilles injury that has sidelined him for multiple weeks.

Despite the roller coaster of a season so far, the Hawks are still potentially in the mix for a playoff spot. Atlanta is in 10th place in the Eastern Conference. However, due to the state of the roster, the front office might be looking to sell for more draft capital to build for the future.

The post Hawks acquire Duop Reath, draft capital in Trail Blazers trade appeared first on ClutchPoints.

*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)*

Deni Avdija’s playing status vs the Cavs on Sunday 

Given his questionable designation on the injury report, there is currently some doubt as to whether or not Avdija will be able to suit up for the Blazers on Sunday against Cleveland. Avdija played in the Blazers’ last game, a blowout road loss at the hands of the New York Knicks, and will be hoping to be named to his first All-Star team earlier in the day on Sunday when the reserves for each conference are announced.

Joining Avdija on the Blazers’ injury report for this game are Jrue Holiday, who is out for personal reasons, Robert Williams III, who is questionable due to left knee injury management, and Blake Wesley, who is questionable with a right foot fracture.

Meanwhile, Evan Mobley and Darius Garland will remain out of the lineup for the Cavs, while Craig Porter Jr. is questionable with left knee soreness.

It’s often said that the first game back home for a team after a long road trip on the opposite coast can be difficult to win, and the Blazers will look to avoid falling into that trap on Sunday against a Cavs team that recently traded De’Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder, in a deal that also involved the Chicago Bulls.

In any case, tipoff between the Cavs and Blazers is set for 9:00 pm ET in Portland. Blazers fans will certainly hope that Avdija is in the lineup at that time.

The post Is Deni Avdija playing tonight? Blazers vs. Cavs injury report appeared first on ClutchPoints.

While Antetokounmpo is currently sidelined for four to six weeks with a calf injury, his individual production remains elite, averaging 28 points and ten rebounds per game. This injury ensures he will not return until after the February trade deadline, yet the tenth consecutive All-Star remains the primary target for several aggressive franchises looking to capitalize on the disappointing season in Milwaukee.

Marc Stein and Jake Fischer have identified the Portland Trail Blazers as a central figure in these trade discussions due to their unique leverage. Portland has officially expressed interest in acquiring the two-time MVP, though they recognize that convincing him to sign a contract extension is an extreme longshot.

Instead, the Blazers are more likely to serve as a facilitator, as they control the Bucks’ draft capital for 2028, 2029, and 2030. Stein and Fischer suggested Portland could participate in a multi-team deal to acquire impact players like Mikal Bridges to pair with Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday. Rivals believe that Holiday is a key piece in any pursuit of the Greek star, as his closeness with Antetokounmpo could help a new team secure a long-term commitment.

The Golden State Warriors are also in the mix, but their pursuit is complicated by a season-ending injury to Jimmy Butler. According to beat writer Danny Emerman, the Warriors have signaled a commitment to keeping Butler and Stephen Curry together, even as Antetokounmpo becomes more available than ever.

The organization is reportedly unwilling to trade Butler’s 54 million dollar salary while he undergoes ACL rehabilitation, preferring to wait for his return next season.

With the Bucks indicating they are in no hurry to finalize a move, the Blazers’ draft control and the Warriors’ injury hurdles will continue to dominate the final hours before the deadline.

The post NBA rumors: Blazers want Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, but there’s a catch appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Avdija has a low back strain. Portland will closely monitor the situation ahead of tip-off.

Here is everything we know about Deni Avdija’s injury status for tonight’s game vs. the Knicks.

Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (Get Access | Save $30)*

Deni Avdija’s injury status vs. Knicks

According to the NBA injury report, Avdija is listed as questionable to play on Friday night.

The Blazers will enter the contest with a 23-25 record. They are in ninth place in the Western Conference standings. Meanwhile, the 29-18 Knicks are second in the East.

Portland will hope to have Avdija available on Friday night as they attempt to upset the Knicks. When it comes to the question of if Deni Avdija is playing tonight, the answer is currently uncertain.

Blazers’ injury report

The Blazers have eight players listed on the injury report.

• Deni Avdija (low back strain): Questionable
• Robert Williams II (left knee injury management): Questionable
• Scoot Henderson (left hamstring tear): Out
• Damian Lillard (left Achilles tendon injury management): Out
• Kris Murray (lumbar strain): Out
• Duop Reath (right foot stress fracture): Out
• Matisse Thybulle (right knee tendinopathy): Out
• Blake Wesley (right foot fracture): Out

Knicks’ injury report

The Knicks have six players on the injury report.

• Josh Hart (right ankle soreness): Probable
• Trey Jemison III (G League two-way): Questionable
• Dillon Jones (G League two-way): Questionable
• Kevin McCullar Jr. (G League two-way): Questionable
• Miles McBride (left ankle injury management): Doubtful
• Pacome Dadiet (G League on assignment): Out

The post Is Deni Avdija playing tonight? Blazers vs. Knicks injury report appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The former No. 3 overall draft pick is practicing with Portland, inching his way closer toward his season debut. Blazers interim head coach Tiago Splitter is pleased with the progress Henderson is making, but he is still unsure of an exact timetable.

“He’s able to do some contact now,” the 2014 NBA champion said, per The Rose Garden Report’s Sean Highkin. “Getting better. I don’t have a date for you yet, but he’s doing a lot and feeling well after practice.”

Portland is already holding its own without the 21-year-old, occupying ninth place in the Western Conference with a 23-25 record. Considering the adversity this team has faced, both on and off the court, a .500-adjacent record is probably all fans can ask for at this time. Though, Rip City is eager to see how Scoot Henderson will fit into the Trail Blazers’ current blueprint.

Despite making slight progress in his second NBA campaign, the 6-foot-3 native of Marietta, Georgia still has shooting deficiencies to address. He has a 40.1 filed goal percentage through 128 games. Henderson still packs a fair amount of promise, however, and could find more opportunities to succeed on this rising squad.

Deni Avdija is in line to earn his first career All-Star Game selection, Shaedon Sharpe is scoring almost 22 points per game, Donovan Clingan is averaging a double-double and defensive stalwart Toumani Camara is heating up from 3-point range (shooting 39 percent in January). An exciting young core is blossoming in Portland. Henderson will have the chance to grow alongside it when he suits up.

Hopefully, that time is coming soon.

The post Blazers’ Scoot Henderson nearing season debut amid hamstring injury appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The news comes as a blow to a Portland frontcourt that has relied on Reath’s veteran presence and floor-spacing ability. Imaging early Thursday morning revealed the stress fracture, and the team wasted no time getting him into the operating room. While the surgery was successful, the recovery timeline effectively ended his campaign.

Before the injury sidelined him, the 29-year-old Australian big man was a steady, if quiet, contributor in the rotation. In 32 appearances this season, Duop Reath averaged 2.9 points and 1.2 rebounds in about eight minutes of action per night. His last appearance came on Jan. 18 in a 117-110 win over the Sacramento Kings, where he logged 12 minutes and contributed one rebound and one assist.

While those numbers don’t jump off the page, Reath provided crucial insurance behind young centers like rookie standout Donovan Clingan. With Reath out, the spotlight shifts even more toward Clingan, who recently dominated with a 20-rebound performance, and fellow reserve Yang Hansen. Portland currently sits right in the thick of the Western Conference play-in race at 23-23, making every bit of depth count down the stretch.

Reath is expected to make a full recovery in time for next season. For now, the Blazers will have to find a way to navigate a crowded West without their reliable “Great Barrier Reath” providing backup minutes in the paint.

The post Trail Blazers’ Duop Reath out for season after undergoing foot surgery appeared first on ClutchPoints.

If so, the Knicks will most likely need a third team to help facilitate a trade for Antetokounmpo, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.

“Is there a multi-team deal that the Knicks could assemble with Portland — which controls Milwaukee’s drafts from 2028 to 2030 thanks to the original Lillard trade — to land Antetokounmpo (and maybe even Jrue Holiday as well) so they can furnish the Bucks with the sort of draft compensation that Milwaukee would be seeking? It’s been a popular discussion topic among various league insiders since the weekend,” Stein reports.

However, as things have evolved between Antetokounmpo and the Bucks, others wonder whether the Knicks’ opportunity to trade for the Greek Freak has passed.

“There are likewise some well-placed observers who wonder if the Knicks might have missed their window for acquiring Antetokounmpo … since a complicated multi-team trade is realistically their only pathway to a workable deal,” Stein added.

“The Knicks don’t have a first-round pick of their own to trade as we speak and share Minnesota’s luxury tax apron complications, so they would undoubtedly be rooting for Milwaukee to take its time from here and wait until the offseason.”

Knicks need a third team to facilitate Giannis trade

The bright lights of Madison Square Garden and the Knicks are enticing to Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo. For a team that reached the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years, the Knicks are hoping to build off last year’s run, with potentially Antetokounmpo for the remaining 2025-26 regular season.

However, the Knicks will have to give up two of their core players, including All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns, as NBA insider Marc Stein noted.

“If the Bucks ultimately decide that they want to do this in the next week, that multi-team transaction New York needs would almost certainly require them to trade away Towns and either Mikal Bridges or OG Anunoby in a matter of days,” Stein said. “Which would represent a dramatic on-the-fly restructuring of a roster that New York has painstakingly assembled.”

Still, the Knicks could have one advantage over other potential suitors for the Bucks’ Antetokounmpo: their arena, Madison Square Garden.

“Antetokounmpo has long been assumed to have a strong interest in playing at Madison Square Garden in front of the NBA’s most fervent fanbases and taking on the challenge, as he did as a Buck, of leading the franchise to its first championship after a wait of more than 50 years,” Stein adds. “Yet it’s unclear whether the Knicks and everything that comes with playing in Gotham appeals to him today in the same manner it was reputed to tempt Antetokounmpo in August.”

The NBA trade deadline is February 5.

The post NBA rumors: Insiders wonder if Knicks missed Giannis trade amid Jrue Holiday, Blazers talks appeared first on ClutchPoints.

However, with the number of young promising guards and forward on the Blazers’ roster, it would be surprising to see them add another of Bridges’ caliber, who would command significant playing time, as ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel noted.

“There has been those rumors out there about the Trail Blazers, but from my perspective, I just don’t see why Portland does that because they have wing depth right now with Deni Avdija, and Toumani Camara, and Shaedon Sharpe has been excellent at that shooting guard position,” Siegel said. “So where does Mikal Bridges fit into the equation. And if you’re going to go out and pursue Bridges from Portland’s perspective, why would you give up Jrue Holiday?

“That’s a player that you pinpointed from Boston that you wanted this past off season and all the signals from Portland is that if they are going to trade Jrue Holiday, it’s going to be a big time player.”

Knicks reportedly ‘explored’ trade for Jrue Holiday

Amid All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks’ seemingly inevitable split ahead of this year’s trade deadline, the Knicks emerged as a suitor for Jrue Holiday. Perhaps it’s the Knicks’ last-ditched effort to pair Antetokounmpo with the likes of a backcourt, featuring All-Star Jalen Brunson, and a two-time champion in Holiday.

Either way, the Knicks are reportedly looking to make a significant trade ahead of this year’s deadline, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.

“There are at least two clear reasons why New York would have interest in a player who helped both Milwaukee and Boston win championships this decade: 1) The presumption that acquiring Holiday — if there’s a way — would make the Knicks an even more attractive destination to Holiday’s former Bucks teammate Antetokounmpo; 2) New York is believed to hold a longstanding fondness for Holiday as a potential backcourt complement to Jalen Brunson,” Stein said.

The Knicks watched Holiday win championships alongside Antetokounmpo with the Bucks in 2021, and in 2024 alongside All-Stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown with the Celtics.

The post Knicks rumors: Growing skepticism over Jrue Holiday link to Knicks appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Deni Avdija is officially listed as questionable on the Blazers’ injury report for their game against the Wizards, although he is expected to play, as per Sean Highkin of The Rose Garden Report. Highkin reports that Blazers interim head coach Tiago Splitter said that he expected Avdija to play against the Wizards.

Avdija last played during the Blazers win against the Miami Heat last Thursday. In that game, he finished with 20 points, seven rebounds and four assists in 18 minutes of play before having to exit early due to said back injury.

The No. 9 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, Avdija is in his second season with the Blazers after being traded by the Wizards in the 2024 offseason. He’s made the case to be selected to his first NBA All-Star appearance.

Avdija has started all 42 games that he’s played in this season, at a little over 34 minutes per game. He’s been averaging a career-high 26.0 points, 7.1 rebounds and 6.9 assists with splits of 47.1 percent shooting from the field, 35.6 percent shooting from the 3-point line and 80.7 percent shooting from the free-throw line.

In addition to his points, his assists and free-throw percentage are also career-highs. With the NBA switching to a USA vs. World format for the All-Star Game, Avdija probably has a good shot at being named to the All-Star Team.

The post Deni Avdija’s official injury status vs. Wizards appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Holiday represented the Celtics for two seasons from 2023 to 2025 as their starting point guard. He played a major role in helping the Celtics reach the mountaintop by claiming Banner 18 after beating the Dallas Mavericks in the 2024 NBA Finals.

Holiday was incredible with his perimeter defensive, landing on the NBA’s All-Defensive Second Team in 2024. He averaged 11.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and one steal per game throughout 131 total appearances.

As for Williams, he donned the Celtics uniform from 2018 to 2023. He went up the ranks before embracing his duties as the starting center, standing out as a lob threat and shot-blocking maestro.

Wiliams helped Boston make its first NBA Finals appearance since 2010 when they reached the 2022 NBA Finals. Hie efforts landed him on the NBA’s All-Defensive Second Team in the process. Throughout 209 total appearances, he produced 7.3 points and 6.9 rebounds per contest.

Both players had memorable moments throughout their stints with the franchise, earning respect from many Boston fans even if they didn’t play a long time with them. The Celtics showcased their tribute video for Holiday after the first quarter.

The Celtics’ tribute video for Jrue Holiday before the 2nd quarter

(via @danield1214) pic.twitter.com/9P4cpBpvVd

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 27, 2026

What lies ahead for Jrue Holiday, Blazers

Jrue Holiday and Robert Williams III will look back on their time with the Celtics fondly. In the meantime, they remain effective players with the Blazers this season.

Holiday sustained injuries earlier in the season but has since returned to the rotation as a starter. He is averaging 15.4 points, 7.1 assists, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game throughout 18 appearances. As for Williams, he has been productive off the bench with six points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game throughout 31 contests.

Portland has a 23-23 record on the season, holding the ninth spot in the Western Conference standings. They are above the Los Angeles Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies while trailing the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves.

Following their matchup against the Celtics, the Blazers will prepare for their next contest. They remain on the road as they face the Washington Wizards on Jan. 27 at 7 p.m. ET.

The post Watch Blazers’ Jrue Holiday, Robert Williams III get hero’s welcome in returns to Boston appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The fans gave him a standing ovation when he entered the court to warm up. He may be wearing a different jersey now, but the veteran guard said he will always have fond memories of his two years with the Celtics.

“It means a lot. Winning together, going through so many things together, even how it ended, doing that together, it was amazing, and I’ll never forget it,” said Holiday, who helped Boston win the title in 2024, in an interview on NBA on NBC.

The 35-year-old Holiday, however, added that even with the fans showing him love, he wants to trample the Celtics.

“We’re trying to beat each other. Once you get between the lines and the clock starts running, I know I want to win and they want to win,” said the two-time champion.

"Once you get between the lines, I know I want to win and they want to win."

Jrue Holiday discusses playing against the Celtics for the first time since being traded in the offseason.

Peacock and NBCSN pic.twitter.com/tIVllyZbpt

— NBA on NBC and Peacock (@NBAonNBC) January 27, 2026

Boston shipped Holiday to Portland in exchange for Anfernee Simons and a second-round pick, as general manager Brad Stevens wanted to retool the roster following the Achilles injury of Jayson Tatum.

At first, Holiday was frustrated with the decision, as he wanted to remain in Beantown with his family. Eventually, he understood the situation and expressed gratitude to the front office for giving him a heads-up.

As of writing, the Celtics are leading the Trail Blazers, 52-37, at halftime.

Holiday has eight points, two rebounds, three assists, and one block.

The post Blazers’ Jrue Holiday breaks silence on return showdown vs. Celtics appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Against a team like the Celtics, you’re going to need all hands on deck, and the hope is that they’re able to have Avdija available.

*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)*

Deni Avdija’s injury status vs. Celtics

Avdija is listed as questionable against the Celtics, and it’s uncertain if he will be able to suit up. This is an injury that has bothered him for some time, and he just returned from it. Before then, he missed three straight games, then played the next two against the Sacramento Kings and Miami Heat.

Luckily for the Trail Blazers, they were still able to win games without Avdija, and that will probably have to be the case again if he can’t go. The team has relied on its defense to help them stay afloat, and they have players who have stepped up on offense as well. If Avdija has to miss a little more time, they should be in good hands.

The Trail Blazers are currently 23-23 and ninth in the Western Conference, and they’ve taken a step from last season. They’re giving themselves a real chance at making the playoffs, and there is still plenty of time in the year for them to try and make up some ground ahead of them.

If Avdija can get back on the court, that would do wonders for them.

The post Is Deni Avdija playing tonight? Blazers vs. Celtics injury report appeared first on ClutchPoints.

No, the rumors do not suggest the Blazers are trying to trade for the Bucks star. Instead, due to the club owning Milwaukee’s draft stock in 2028, 2029, and 2030, Portland seemingly aims to get into the mix on some kind of multi-team trade if the Bucks do choose to deal the 31-year-old power forward, according to NBA Insider Jake Fischer.

“Portland is definitely a team to track here when it comes to eventual Antetokounmpo outcomes. No one is suggesting that a trade to the Trail Blazers is a scenario that the Giannis Camp would push for, but Portland still controls Milwaukee’s draft capital in 2028, 2029, and 2030 thanks to the teams’ Jrue Holiday-for-Damian Lillard swap. And I’m told Blazers officials have always viewed Antetokounmpo’s potential Milwaukee exit as a chance to improve their own roster by jumping into a multi-team deal.”

Fischer follows that statement up with the possibility of the Trail Blazers being a third team in a trade that could send Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Knicks. If that were the case, Portland would likely be interested in Bridges. Fischer also claims that Portland has had its eyes on Mikal Bridges, who is 29 years old, for quite some time.

“So there is absolutely a down-the-road world where the Blazers could try to butt into, say, Milwaukee/New York talks if Giannis-to-the-Knicks ever got serious. File this away as well: League sources say Portland has long admired New York’s Mikal Bridges going back to Lillard’s first stint as a Blazer.”

However it plays out, Fischer declares that his sources have informed him that Portland is viewed as a possible buyer ahead of the trade deadline. The league seems to believe that the Blazers could try to improve the roster to make a serious push for the playoffs.

If Bridges is the target, then the Blazers would be aiming to acquire a talented forward who can play on the wing or in the post. He’s a solid defender who can also score when needed. Through 45 games played so far this season, Bridges is averaging 15.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.6 steals per game while shooting 49.5% from the field and 38.9% from beyond the arc.

The post NBA rumors: How Blazers could factor into a Giannis trade, with Mikal Bridges twist appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Barrett originally tweaked the ankle during a January 9 loss to the Boston Celtics and has remained on the shelf since then. While the availability of Barrett remains a game-time decision, the Raptors have kept the wheels turning in his absence. Toronto enters tonight’s contest at the Moda Center following a decisive 122-109 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night.

In that win, Scottie Barnes continued his All-Star caliber campaign by dropping 23 points to go with eight rebounds, seven assists, and four steals. Forward Brandon Ingram also added 23 points, matching Barnes for the team lead as the Raptors outscored the Kings 43-21 in a dominant third quarter.

The Raptors have leaned heavily on their depth lately, with Sandro Mamukelashvili contributing a massive 22 points and nine rebounds against Sacramento. Immanuel Quickley also orchestrated the offense effectively, chipping in 18 points and eight assists.

However, getting Barrett back would provide a significant boost. Before the injury, the 25-year-old was averaging 19.6 points per game and acting as a vital secondary playmaker for the offense.

The matchup against the Trail Blazers will not be a cakewalk. Portland comes in hot on a four-game winning streak, led by Deni Avdija, who is averaging 26 points this season.

With Toronto sitting at 27-19 and fourth in the Eastern Conference, every win counts to maintain pace with the leaders. If Barrett can suit up, it simplifies the rotation for the coaching staff. Whether he plays or not, Toronto looks to extend its winning streak to three games.

The post Raptors’ RJ Barrett upgraded on injury report vs. Blazers appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Jerami Grant, Jrue Holiday playing status vs the Heat

Given their questionable designations on the injury report, there is currently some doubt as to whether or not Holiday and Grant will be able to suit up on Thursday night against the Heat.

Holiday is dealing with right calf injury management, while Grant is listed as questionable with left Achilles injury management. It should be noted that both players missed the Blazers’ last game, a road win over the Sacramento Kings earlier this week.

Meanwhile, Robert Williams III is questionable for this game with left knee injury management, while Scoot Henderson and Matisse Thybulle will remain out of the lineup for the Blazers.

Big man Kel’el Ware is questionable for the Heat with a right hamstring strain, while Tyler Herro will be out with a rib injury. Pelle Larson, Davion Mitchell, Nikola Jovic, and Jaime Jaquez Jr. are all listed as available despite dealing with various ailments.

As previously mentioned, the Blazers have won three games in a row, and will be looking to make it four on Thursday against the Heat. The team has started to play some improved basketball under interim head coach Tiago Splitter, who took over for Chauncey Billups in the wake of his arrest by the FBI earlier this season.

In any case, the Blazers and Heat are slated to tip off on Thursday at 10:00 pm ET from Portland.

The post Blazers’ Jerami Grant, Jrue Holiday injury updates vs. Heat after missing last game appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Returning from a three-game absence due to a lower back strain, Deni Avdija finished with a game-high 30 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists in 32 minutes. He scored 15 points in the first quarter alone, the highest-scoring opening quarter of his career, and combined with Shaedon Sharpe’s 27 points and seven rebounds, the duo helped the Trail Blazers control the paint throughout the contest.

Second-year big man Donovan Clingan scored 21 points on 6-of-9 shooting and was perfect from the free-throw line (8-of-8) to go with 17 rebounds, three assists, and a steal in 36 minutes, including 10 points in the fourth quarter alone. He achieved a rare milestone for the Trail Blazers, becoming the first Portland sophomore since LaMarcus Aldridge with a 20/15 game, according to StatMuse. The seven-foot-two center has now racked up 15 double-doubles this season, tying for second-most in the NBA among players with at least 27 games played.

Toumani Camara was flawless offensively, scoring 17 points on 7-of-7 shooting, including a second-quarter flurry that drove a momentum-shifting 20-8 run to give the Blazers a 64-53 halftime lead. Portland outscored the Kings 38-20 in the paint during the first half and added 23 second-chance points, exploiting Sacramento’s weak interior defense.

For the Kings, Malik Monk and Russell Westbrook each scored 23 points, and Zach LaVine chipped in 18. Sacramento briefly cut the Trail Blazers’ lead to four points late in the fourth quarter, but clutch free-throw shooting by Avdija and Sharpe, who combined to make five of six in the final 16 seconds, put the game away. Domantas Sabonis, in his second game since missing 27 contests due to a knee injury, contributed eight points and eight rebounds, but was error-prone with six turnovers in 20 minutes.

Portland rested Jerami Grant, Jrue Holiday, and Robert Williams III on the second night of a back-to-back. After three days of rest, the Blazers will return home to face the Miami Heat on Thursday night.

The post Blazers’ Donovan Clingan pulls off rare LaMarcus Aldridge feat appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Avdija has been the Trail Blazers’ leading scorer this season. The Israeli native is averaging 26.1 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. Avdija is also averaging 6.9 assists per game and he is connecting on 46.8 percent of his shots from the field and 80.1 percent of his free throws.

He has missed the last 3 games with a back injury, but there has been some recent improvement, leading to the upgrade in his game status.

The Trail Blazers have endured four brutal seasons since they last made the playoffs in the 2020-21 season. They were 42-30 that season but lost in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs. They were 36-46 last year, and that’s their best record since their last playoff appearance.

The Blazers defeated the Atlanta Hawks and Los Angeles Lakers in their last two games and finding a way to beat the Kings would be significant for the franchise. The Trail Blazers were in a similar position earlier in the week as they were a game below .500 with the New York Knicks and Golden State Warriors on the schedule. They lost both games before rebounding against the Hawks and Lakers.

While Avdija’s return would give a significant boost to head coach Tiago Splitter’s lineup, Portland could be without Jrue Holiday and Jerami Grant. Both players are listed as doubtful.

The post Blazers’ Deni Avdija upgraded on injury report vs. Kings appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Avdija is dealing with a lower back strain while Holiday is listed on the injury report with right calf injury management. Portland has a number of overall injury concerns to monitor heading into the game. The Lakers also have injuries, as Luka Doncic has already been ruled out due to left groin soreness.

Here’s everything we know about Holiday and Avdija’s injury statuses for tonight’s game.

Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (Get Access | Save $30)*

Jrue Holiday, Deni Avdija’s injury statuses for Blazers vs. Lakers game

Holiday is listed as questionable to play, while Avdija is doubtful for Saturday’s game, according to the NBA injury report.

Portland is currently 20-22 and in ninth place in the Western Conference standings, while the 24-15 Lakers are sixth in the West. Saturday night’s matchup projects to be competitive. Injuries will play a significant role in determining the outcome of the contest.

As for the question of if Jrue Holiday and Deni Avdija are playing tonight, the answer is uncertain.

Blazers’ injury report

The Trail Blazers have nine players listed on the injury report.

• Jrue Holiday (right calf injury management): Questionable
• Jerami Grant (left Achilles injury management): Questionable
• Hansen Yang (G League on assignment): Questionable
• Deni Avdija (lower back strain): Doubtful
• Scoot Henderson (left hamstring tear): Out
• Damian Lillard (left Achilles tendon injury management): Out
• Kris Murray (lumbar strain): Out
• Matisse Thybulle (right knee tendinopathy): Out
• Blake Wesley (right foot fracture): Out

Lakers’ injury report

The Lakers have five players listed on the injury report.

• Deandre Ayton (left knee soreness): Questionable
• Jaxson Hayes (left hamstring tendinopathy): Questionable
• Luka Doncic (left groin soreness): Out
• Austin Reaves (left calf strain): Out
• Ado Thiero (right MCL sprain): Out

The post Are Jrue Holiday, Deni Avdija playing tonight? Blazers vs. Lakers injury report appeared first on ClutchPoints.

McCollum became a star in Rip City after being drafted as the 10th overall pick in 2013. He teamed up with fellow guard Damian Lillard to form one of the most lethal backcourts in the NBA, leading the Trail Blazers to multiple appearances in the playoffs.

He was shipped by Portland to the New Orleans Pelicans in a midseason trade in 2022. It was a heartbreaking ending to his career with the Trail Blazers, but McCollum said he understood the decision, adding that he will still forever be grateful to the city that embraced him.

He remains beloved in Portland, as proven by the fans’ standing ovation when he entered the game against his former team at the 6:25 mark of the first quarter.

CJ McCollum's return has the Blazers crowd giving him a standing ovation pic.twitter.com/og9YHrrSSy

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 16, 2026

The 34-year-old McCollum averaged 19.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists in his seven and a half seasons with the Trail Blazers.

Many wanted Portland to reacquire McCollum and reunite him with Lillard when he was rumored to be being shopped by the Washington Wizards. But alas, he landed on the Hawks.

He played well in his first two games with Atlanta, including scoring 25 points off the bench in their loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday.

McCollum is expected to continue playing a backup role, as the Hawks have rolled with Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker as the starters in the backcourt.

As of writing, the Hawks are ahead of the Trail Blazers at halftime, 56-54.

The post CJ McCollum gets warm welcome in return to Portland in Hawks-Blazers appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The Trail Blazers (19-22) listed forward Deni Avdija as doubtful with lower back soreness on their Thursday noon injury report, casting doubt on his availability for the matchup against the Hawks (20-22), scheduled for 10:00 p.m. ET at Moda Center. Avdija’s status represents a potential setback for Portland as it looks to gain traction in the Western Conference standings.

Avdija last appeared in Sunday’s 123-114 loss to the New York Knicks, where he turned in one of his strongest performances of the season despite the defeat. The 25-year-old recorded 25 points, five rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one block while shooting 8-for-17 from the field and 8-for-10 from the free throw line. He logged 38 minutes in the contest, continuing a heavy workload that has defined his season.

Deni Avdija injury clouds Trail Blazers’ outlook against Hawks

Through 40 games, Avdija is in the midst of a career year and has emerged as a central figure in Portland’s offense. He is averaging 26.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game while shooting 46.8 percent from the field and 35.5 percent from three-point range. He has averaged 35.4 minutes per game and has been a consistent presence on both ends of the floor.

Portland’s injury report also included veteran forward Jerami Grant, who is listed as questionable with left Achilles tendonitis. Grant has not played since Dec. 18, when he logged 40 minutes in a 134-133 overtime loss to the Sacramento Kings. In that game, Grant posted 20 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and one block while shooting 7-for-18 from the field.

Grant, 31, has appeared in 26 games this season, including 14 starts, and is averaging 20 points, four rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. He is shooting 43.6 percent from the field, 38.9 percent from three-point range, and a career-high 86.6 percent from the free throw line while playing 30.3 minutes per contest.

With Avdija doubtful and Grant questionable, Portland could be shorthanded as it opens its homestand against an Atlanta team seeking to climb back to .500.

The post Deni Avdija injury update a bad sign for Blazers-Hawks game appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Blazers Insider Sean Highkin delivered both updates, and the timing could not feel more delicate. Deni Avdija had been carrying the Blazers this season with relentless production. Through 40 games, he is averaging 26.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 6.9 assists in 35.4 minutes per night while shooting 46.8 percent from the field and 35.5 percent from three. That kind of output does not vanish quietly. It slipped away late against the Knicks when Avdija leaped into traffic for a rebound, landed on two feet, and instantly grabbed the left side of his lower back in visible pain. He stayed upright, but the message was clear.

Grant’s situation carries a different energy. After missing 13 straight games, the doubtful tag signals real progress. When healthy, Grant brings 20.0 points per game on 43.6 percent shooting and a sharp 38.9 percent from beyond the arc. His spacing stretches defenses and steadies Portland’s offense.

Jerami Grant’s return window is coming into focus for the Blazers

Highkin added important context that fans should not ignore. Meanwhile, based on the pattern followed for Jrue’s return, his educated guess is that Grant will not play Tuesday but will be listed as questionable for Thursday against Atlanta with real hope to return. That projection, in turn, fits the team’s careful approach.

For now, the Blazers battle the Warriors with grit and short rotations. As a result, the crowd will buzz. The tension will rise. And every possession will carry extra weight. How close are the Blazers to feeling whole again?

The post Blazers’ Deni Avdija ruled out vs. Warriors, but glimmer of hope with Jerami Grant appeared first on ClutchPoints.

“Injury Update: Trail Blazers forward Kris Murray was evaluated after Monday night’s game vs. the Utah Jazz and it has been determined that he has been diagnosed with a lumbar strain in his lower back. His status for return to play will be updated as appropriate,” the Blazers shared via a social media post on X, formerly Twitter.

As mentioned, Murray isn’t the only one in his family nursing an injury, as Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray is also out with a left ankle sprain that is reportedly going to sideline him for multiple weeks.

This latest update on Kris’ injury comes amid the Blazers’ hot streak. Portland will enter Sunday night’s game against Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks at Moda Center in Portland on a five-game winning streak. The Blazers are also coming off back-to-back victories over Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets to come just a win against the Knicks away from getting back to .500 with a 20-20 record.

So far in his third season in the NBA, Kris has put up averages of 6.1 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.2 assists through 34 games, while shooting 44.6 percent from the field to go along with just a 50.3 effectieve field goal percentage.

The 25-year-old Kris, who played college basketball for the Iowa Hawkeyes just like his twin brother, was selected by the Blazers with the 23rd overall pick in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft.

The post Blazers’ Kris Murray joins brother Keegan on sidelines with injury appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Reports indicate that Holiday will be available to play for the Blazers game against the Knicks, according to team Insider Sean Highkin. After initially being listed as questionable on Saturday, Portland upgraded the 35-year-old guard to probable hours before tip-off.

“Update: Holiday is now listed as ‘Probable.'”

It’s unclear how many minutes Holiday will get in his first game back. The Blazers have largely been relying on Deni Avdija, Shaedon Sharpe, Caleb Love, and Rayan Rupert in the backcourt. There is a chance that Portland will plug Jrue Holiday into the starting lineup as the point guard and move Avdija to the wing.

But we won’t know the official plan until the Blazers take on the Knicks in Portland. Either way, having the two-time All-Star back in the lineup should be a big boost for the team. He was playing rather well before the calf injury, as Jrue Holiday was averaging 16.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 8.3 assists, and 1.6 steals per game while shooting 44.6% from the floor and 36.5% from beyond the arc through 12 games played.

Holiday’s return comes at a perfect time for Portland. The club enters Sunday’s contest with a 19-20 record, which has them ranked No. 9 in the Western Conference. Jrue Holiday, bouncing back from injury, could be what the Trail Blazers need to compete in a tough conference moving forward. Especially with the team trying to reach the playoffs for the first time since the 2020-21 campaign.

The post Blazers guard Jrue Holiday set to return vs. Knicks after missing 27 games with calf injury appeared first on ClutchPoints.

It’s a dynamic that is leading to a few interesting conversations before the NBA Trade Deadline. For Memphis, the solution to one crisis may lie in Portland’s surplus. Jaylen Wells has Jimmy Butler qualities, but the second-year wing cannot be asked to be a table setter. The same goes for rookie Cedric Coward. Jaren Jackson Jr. and Zach Edey should be the starting frontcourt for the next three and a half seasons.

Losing Morant leaves a vacuum not just in scoring, but in paint pressure, rim attacks, and transition creation. Memphis does not need a caretaker point guard. The Grizzlies have that at home already. However, Scotty Pippen Jr., Cam Spencer, and Vince Williams are better suited to run the second unit. This team needs a new engine. Portland already has one sitting in pole position (Avdija), with a great reserve driver available (Sharpe). Toumani Camara, Donovan Clingan, and Yang Hansen provide the torque down low.

Oh, the Blazers are starting to hype up Damian Lillard’s return as well. That is why Henderson is such a compelling target. The Grizzlies may have to settle for a young prospect (used, CPO) instead of a future first-round pick (new, showroom floor) when shopping around. Scoot remains one of the league’s most gifted pure athletes. The 21-year-old’s first step, straight-line speed, and ability to collapse defenses are elite.

Henderson’s threats change how opponents defend entire lineups, and Memphis has been built for years around that exact stress point. Morant’s rim pressure was the foundation of everything the Grizzlies did. This move brings in someone who offers a similar, if still unfinished, toolkit without the emotional baggage.

The mechanics could work surprisingly well, and the Grizzlies would have lots of cap room left for other upgrades. Jerami Grant and Jrue Holiday are reportedly on the trade block, and their contracts come close to matching Morant’s salary. Memphis can send Brandon Clarke to Portland as a replacement power forward, giving the Blazers a versatile frontcourt piece who complements their young wings.

If Morant is truly on his way out, the Grizzlies have a narrow window to reshape their franchise instead of scrambling to replace it. Scoot Henderson is not a sure thing, but in a league where elite athletic point guards rarely become available at a discount, he might be the closest thing Memphis will get to turning the page without tearing the book in half.

The post Why Grizzlies should buy low on Scoot Henderson before Ja Morant jumps ship appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Holiday is listed as doubtful on the team’s injury report for the Blazers’ matchup against the Rockets, which is a step in the right direction. However, the initial plan was for Holiday to be re-evaluated 1-2 weeks on November 21. This is the closest Holiday has been to making a full recovery.

In 12 starts this season, Holiday has posted averages of 16.7 points, including a 36.5% clip from three, 8.3 assists, and 5.3 rebounds per game.

Jrue Holiday eager for new chapter with Blazers

Blazers veteran Jrue Holiday opened up about joining the Blazers in an exclusive interview with ClutchPoints. Holiday talked about joining forces with future Hall of Fame guard Damian Lillard, who’s recovering from a torn ACL tendon. He also discussed the bright future he sees in his new team.

Holiday talked about his existing relationship with Lillard.

“We played in the Olympics together. I used to be with Adidas. So, we’ve done some stuff together with that,” Holiday tells ClutchPoints. “So, I’ve known him for a long time. Just his knowledge of the game, experiences that he’s been through, even what he’s passing onto me and the rest of the team as we’re playing, even though he’s sidelined, has been invaluable.”

The post Blazers’ Jrue Holiday upgraded on injury report vs. Rockets after missing 26 straight games appeared first on ClutchPoints.

McCollum is already 34 years old and well past his prime. At first glance, he seems like a major downgrade for Atlanta’s backcourt, both in the short and long term. Kispert is a great 3-point shooter, but he is just a role player who averages 9.2 points per game. The Hawks didn’t receive a single draft pick in this deal, which is unheard of in superstar trades these days. It shows that the Hawks simply wanted off Young’s contract because they think they are better without him.

Still, fans can’t help but think that it is an incredibly underwhelming trade return. After all, the Oklahoma product has four All-Star nods to his name. He has led the league in total assists three times, as well as total points one of those years. His defensive flaws and physical shortcomings limit Young greatly, but he is still clearly one of the best 3-point shooters and playmakers in the entire NBA. He even led the Hawks to an Eastern Conference Finals appearance before.

There were a number of teams that made sense as a trade destination for Young, but clearly he wanted to play in Washington, and it is evident that the Hawks didn’t receive many, if any, enticing trade offers. Considering his minuscule trade value, what underwhelming hypothetical trade proposals would have actually been better than the deal the Hawks received from the Wizards?

Trail Blazers could have traded for Trae Young

Just days before Young was traded to the Wizards, ClutchPoints theorized a deal to the Trail Blazers. In that proposal, the Hawks ended up with Jerami Grant, Scoot Henderson, a first-round pick, and three second-round picks. As it turns out, that would have been a massive overpay. Grant is averaging 20-plus points per game for the fourth time in his career, and Henderson was a recent number three overall pick who still has tons of potential. Not to mention, this would have been a decent chunk of draft capital for the Hawks to receive.

Instead, the Trail Blazers could have traded just Grant and Robert Williams and still have bested Washington’s offer. Williams plays sparingly and has struggled with injuries his whole career. This would have made for an eventual backcourt of Young, Henderson, Damian Lillard, and Jrue Holiday. That is an unfathomable amount of guard talent on one roster.

It isn’t like the Trail Blazers wouldn’t have still had plenty of forward and big man help, either. Young and Lillard would have lit up the scoreboard from deep, and the rest of Portland’s roster could have covered for him on defense. Holiday and Toumani Camara, for example, are elite point-of-attack defenders, and Donovan Clingan is a great rim protector. Injuries have led to the point guard spot being a weakness for the Trail Blazers right now. With Young, they’d have been stacked there.

Milwaukee Bucks could’ve paired Trae Young and Giannis Antetokounmpo

For years, the Milwaukee Bucks have exhausted resources to try to build a contender around Giannis Antetokounmpo. It hasn’t worked, and considering the Bucks are basically out of assets, it was assumed that the team wouldn’t have enough to make a competitive offer for Young.

Young’s shooting and spacing would fit well in a lineup featuring Antetokounmpo. Although the Greek Freak has been listed as a trade candidate himself, the Bucks could have tried to make a Young-Antetokounmpo duo work. The Lillard and Antetokounmpo combination failed, but injuries and Lillard’s regression played big parts in that flop. Things could have been different with another sharpshooting guard with playmaking skills being Antetokounmpo’s right-hand man.

The Bucks could have traded Bobby Portis, Kyle Kuzma, and Gary Harris for Young. This last-ditch effort to keep Antetokounmpo around could have paid off, especially in this season in which the Eastern Conference is wide open.

Orlando Magic needed more shooting

The Orlando Magic are another team that would have made sense as a fit for Young, but one that likely wouldn’t have wanted to trade much future capital. Orlando traded four first-round picks and a pick swap in the offseason deal for Desmond Bane, so further depleting their draft capital would have been risky.

If the Magic had known that just a couple of role players would have been enough to get a deal done, then they probably would have done it. The contracts of Jalen Suggs, Goga Bitadze, and Jett Howard would have matched Young’s salary. Bitadze is a backup big, and Howard looks like a draft bust, so losing them wouldn’t have hurt Orlando too much.

Suggs is a talented player, so trading him would have been a tougher pill to swallow. However, the guard just can’t seem to get healthy, and the Magic need more reliable players. Furthermore, the Magic’s biggest weakness has long been 3-point shooting, and Young is one of the best deep ball options in the NBA. His playmaking prowess would have also been beneficial on a team full of bigs and slashers.

Miami Heat had enough to trade for Trae Young

Not very many teams have role players who cost enough that they could have been used in a trade for Young. The Wizards did in the form of McCollum’s contract, so they were able to make the money work for a trade. The Miami Heat are another team that has pricey role players who could have been used to acquire Young, meaning they could have added an All-Star-caliber point guard without giving up much from their rotation.

Terry Rozier, Davion Mitchell, and Simone Fontecchio would have been enough to make the money work in a Heat-Hawks trade. Of course, it isn’t clear whether Rozier is trade-eligible, as he is being investigated in a sports gambling case. If the Heat could have gotten off his contract, though, they certainly would have been thrilled to do so.

Fontecchio is a 3-point threat, ala Kispert, and Mitchell is a starting-caliber guard, so he could have been the McCollum part of the equation here. Miami has been looking for a third star to pair with Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro ever since Jimmy Butler requested a trade. That star might have been right in front of their faces had they traded with the Hawks.

The post 4 pathetic Trae Young trade proposals that would have been better than the Wizards deal appeared first on ClutchPoints.

When The Athletic’s Will Guillory asked what made Deni Avdija difficult to defend, the Rockets forward paused, then answered with one word. “Zebras.”

Avdija delivered a massive night for Portland. He poured in 41 points on 13-of-24 shooting, hit 2-of-9 from three, and added six rebounds and two assists. Throughout the night, he hunted mismatches and bent the defense. Possession by possession, he forced rotations and kept pressure on the rim. He stayed aggressive until the final horn, and the Blazers needed every bit of it to escape the Rockets.

Still, the ending told the clearest story. In the closing seconds, Eason appeared to score the go-ahead bucket. Instead, officials reviewed the play and waved it off. The Rockets bench erupted. Around the arena, fans buzzed. As seconds drained away, the scoreboard froze at 103–102. In that moment, a single call flipped the night.

Even so, Tari Eason closed the game with 15 points and 13 rebounds. On the glass, he battled for every inch. Defensively, he guarded multiple spots. Despite frustration boiling around him, he stayed steady. The box score showed effort. The moment showed edge.

A result that sticks with the Rockets

This game also highlighted Deni Avdija’s season-long rise. Through 38 games, he is averaging 26.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 7.0 assists while shooting 47.1 percent from the field and 35.9 percent from deep. Portland trusts him with everything late. Houston felt that weight possession after possession.

But the Rockets felt something else too. A sense of being robbed. These losses linger because they teach. They harden teams. They test composure. Tari Eason’s blunt response captured that tension perfectly.

So now the question hangs in the air: does this one-point heartbreak become fuel that sharpens the Rockets, or just another scar in a season defined by tight margins?

The post Rockets’ Tari Eason wasn’t impressed by Deni Avdija’s big night at all appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Early in the third quarter at Moda Center, Thompson grabbed a rebound, went coast to coast, and flipped in a wild shot plus the foul. The moment hushed the building and the momentum shifted momentarily. For a stretch, it felt like another late escape might be coming.

Amen Thompson takes it coast-to-coast, throws it up and HITS IT plus the foul
pic.twitter.com/mSLKAT4kdx

— Rockets Nation (@RocketsNationCP) January 8, 2026

The Rockets needed every spark as they trailed entering the fourth but fought back with pace and pressure. Houston tied the game at 84 and kept leaning into transition chances. Thompson stayed aggressive. He attacked gaps and cleaned the glass. Kevin Durant carried the scoring load again, finding tough looks when the offense stalled. The margin stayed thin. Every possession mattered. Then the night turned.

Rockets caught in a finish decided by inches

Meanwhile, the Blazers answered the Rockets’ push with calm execution. Soon after, Portland stretched the lead to as many as nine points inside the final two minutes. During that stretch, Deni Avdija controlled the game, scoring from everywhere and punishing late rotations. Even so, the Rockets refused to fold. In response, one final surge put Houston briefly ahead by one in the closing seconds. Then, the whistle came. Tari Eason’s apparent game-winner was waved off, and the chance disappeared.

As a result, the final score told the sting. Portland beat the Rockets, 103–102. Thompson finished with 24 points on efficient shooting, added 12 rebounds, and dished six assists. Meanwhile, Kevin Durant poured in 37 but missed a late look that felt familiar after the Suns game. On the other end, Avdija erupted for 41 to power Portland’s fourth straight win, pushing the Blazers to 18–20. Houston slipped to 22–12 and sixth in the standings.

Even then, Amen Thompson’s highlight cut through the noise. One call changed the ending. Nights like this shape teams. So the question lingers now for the Rockets: how many close lessons does it take before the next one finally breaks their way?

The post Rockets’ Amen Thompson makes wild trick shot for and-1 bucket vs. Blazers appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Beyond hard salary cap rules, many successful teams are unlikely to pursue Williamson because the potential risk to their established system outweighs the reward. The reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder, for example, are known for meticulous culture and financial planning. They are highly unlikely to upset the locker room chemistry or sacrifice future flexibility for a player with Williamson’s injury and fit questions. Likewise for Nikola Jokic’s Denver Nuggets. Adding another non-shooting, ball-dominant player like Williamson does not complement their core identity.

Similarly, the Boston Celtics, with a strong core built around the soon-to-return Jayson Tatum, do not need to pursue such a risky acquisition. Other teams have simply moved in different directions. The Orlando Magic recently committed significant draft capital to acquire Desmond Bane; the Toronto Raptors are fully building around Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram.

The Pelicans are not in a position to attach valuable draft picks to facilitate a Williamson trade; they need to acquire future assets to offset their own lost 2026 pick. This requirement eliminates any team unwilling or unable to part with high-value draft compensation. For example, the Houston Rockets have already made their major all-in move by trading for Kevin Durant. They are unlikely to deplete their remaining assets.

After eliminating the teams blocked by rules, those dissuaded by risk, and those lacking assets, a clear group of potential trade partners emerges.

Pelicans pressing Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets stand out as the most natural fit, especially with five picks in the next two drafts. Williamson’s return to North Carolina carries both basketball and personal logic, offering proximity to his college roots and a familiar support system. The Hornets need a franchise-altering talent and possess the draft capital to make a credible offer. They also have the flexibility to reshape their roster around a new centerpiece if they choose to pivot from LaMelo Ball.

One realistic framework would center on Ball, a future first-round pick in 2026 or 2027, and a secondary contract such as Grant Williams for salary matching. For the Pelicans, this deal provides a young lead guard and future draft value.

However, Williamson and Jordan Hawkins for Miles Bridges, Grant Williams, and draft considerations work as well if the Hornets want to keep their young core together. Brandon Miller, Ball, Williamson, Kon Knueppel, and Colin Sexton would make a push for an NBA Play-In Tournament spot immediately.

Trail Blazers need a third star

In the midst of a rebuild centered on Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe, the Portland Trail Blazers hit a speed bump. Henderson (hamstring) has yet to play this season, having blown by a four-to-six week recovery timeline. However, they also lucked up on a gold mine in Deni Avdija.

The Trail Blazers could take a flier on Williamson as a reclamation project and still make headway in the NBA Playoffs. They lack immediate draft capital but have the future assets and young players to match salary without damaging their core timeline. The Pacific Northwest also offers a low-pressure environment for a fresh start, something a New York or Los Angeles squad can never claim.

Essentially, Portland has long sought a transformative big man, going back to DeAndre Ayton. A 31-year-old Grant has a very obvious, limited ceiling. Zion Williamson fits the timeline of their rebuild. New Orleans would get Jerami Grant, Matisse Tybulle’s expiring deal, and picks for Williamson and Hawkins.

The Blazers can wait for the 21-year-old Henderson or find more value in an easily expandable framework. The Pelicans already have Jeremiah Fears waiting in the wings to run the point.

Nets know Zion’s big-city potential

The Brooklyn Nets are positioned as a team with a lot of future draft capital but no definitive star. Perpetually a year away from a year away with pressure to generate buzz and ticket sales, the Nets could justify a buy-low swing on a former top pick if the price reflects the risk.

Williamson and Hawkins for Michael Porter Jr., Cameron Thomas, and a 2027 draft pick satisfy all the legal trade requirements. Brooklyn gets the big name for the marque and a young UConn-repping sharpshooter to space the floor; New Orleans gets a look at Thomas close to the old LSU home and some useful size in Porter Jr.

Kings, Clippers cannot quit trying

The Sacramento Kings have cap flexibility, draft assets, and a desperate need for a franchise-altering talent. Sacramento represents the prototypical small-market team willing to take risks on high-upside players, and Williamson’s explosive scoring ability could vault them back into the postseason. Despite their financial constraints, the LA Clippers have historically been aggressive in pursuing star talent. With an uncertain future and a win-now mentality, Steve Ballmer’s bank account might gamble on Williamson as a cornerstone piece, betting on their medical staff and developmental infrastructure to keep him healthy.

James Harden would not necessarily have to pick a new home for LA to welcome in Williamson. Yves Missi and the All-Star could be swapped for Bogdan Bogdanovic, John Collins, the Thunder’s 2027 pick, and a 2029 pick. Harden, Kawhi Leonard, Williamson, and Ivica Zubac would be tough to beat when healthy.

Sitting 11th and one game out of the postseason, that foursome would definitely put pressure on the other Play-In teams. Collins and Bogdanovic would at least help Herb Jones, Trey Murphy III, Derik Queen, and Jeremiah Fears more than an injured Williamson, a benched Hawkins, or a still-learning Missi.

Domantas Sabonis for Williamson would need a few tweaks to be legal. Roping in the New York Knicks for Jose Alvarado works if they send Guerschon Yabusele to the Kings. A few second-round picks can be swapped to even out the ledger.

Bucks mean business

While facing the eventual departure of Giannis Antetokounmpo, the small-market Milwaukee Bucks will be desperate to remain relevant. Taking a swing on Williamson signals to fans that the organization remains ambitious. The Bucks can offer established veterans to match salary and might be willing to part with future draft equity to secure a new, marketable centerpiece for the next era. Replacing Williamson and Missi with Kyle Kuzma and Bobby Portis Jr. is a start.

None of these scenarios guarantees success. That is precisely why the list is so short. As the Pelicans weigh their next move, these five teams stand as the most realistic suitors willing to accept the risk that comes with betting on Zion Williamson. Ultimately, any trade will be a high-stakes gamble on a generational talent whose health and consistency remain in question. For the handful of teams with the means, motive, and opportunity, the potential reward of unlocking a perennial All-Star is worth the trouble.

The post Handful of Zion Williamson trade suitors expected to call Pelicans appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Trail Blazers’ trade proposal for Trae Young

Trail Blazers receive: Trae Young

Atlanta Hawks receive: Jerami Grant, Scoot Henderson, 2028 first-round pick (via Magic), three second-round picks

Although the backcourt of Lillard and Holiday could take the Trail Blazers to the next level, the duo won’t be playing together until next season. Lillard is out for the season with a torn achilles tendon. Holiday has missed most of the season with a calf injury, too. Even Scoot Henderson has missed all of the season so far because of a hamstring issue.

The Trail Blazers are holding their own in the stacked Western Conference, but they are being held back by how depleted they are at the guard spots. A trade for Young could help Portland’s push for the playoffs. He is consistently in the running to lead the NBA in assists per game, and he is one of the best 3-point shooters in the NBA.

Both his shooting and playmaking would fit perfectly on a Trail Blazers team that ranks 27th in 3-point percentage (34.1%) and 26th in assists per game (24.8). In addition to this trade helping out this season, a move for Young would have the future in mind. Lillard is past his prime and will likely never again be the player that he was during his first stint with the Trail Blazers. Holiday has shown signs of regression in the last two seasons, too, especially on the defensive end.

A guard trio of Holiday, Lillard, and Young would have the potential to be one of the best in the NBA, but Young’s presence would provide security for the aging backcourt, and at age 27, he still fits the timeline of the rest of the core. Young’s playmaking prowess would benefit young players such as Deni Avdija, Toumani Camara, Donovan Clingan, and Yang Hansen.

Henderson would be shipped out in this deal, but he hasn’t quite lived up to the expectations of being a third overall pick. The Trail Blazers would also lose Jerami Grant, one first-round pick, and three second-rounders, but that is a small price to pay for a four-time All-Star, even despite Young’s flaws. Young’s shortcomings on defense are the predominant reason he isn’t a part of the Hawks’ long-term plans, but the Trail Blazers have enough defense to cover for Young on that end. Clingan is an elite rim protector, and Camara and Holiday are premier point-of-attack defenders.

Are the Trail Blazers an ideal trading partner for the Hawks?

The Hawks are likely to have options for whom to trade Young to. In fact, Portland wasn’t listed among the top six trade destinations for Young’s services. Making a deal with the Trail Blazers could still make a lot of sense, though. It isn’t quite clear what Young’s trade value is, especially when it relates to draft capital.

He is considered one of the best players in the NBA, but his ability to contribute to winning has come into question. The Hawks tried to surround him with defenders, but his size and shortcomings on the less glamorous side of the court were too hard for Atlanta to overcome, and that could scare off teams from trading huge hauls.

In this deal, Atlanta would only end up with one first-round pick, which makes Henderson the centerpiece of this trade return. While Henderson had a disappointing rookie season, and he has missed all of his third year, he did show signs of life as a sophomore. Henderson was considered to be a prospect who could go first overall had he not shared a draft class with Victor Wembanyama.

It is possible that the G-League Ignite product was turning a corner last year and could still reach his potential, especially after a change of scenery. Atlanta would bank on Henderson’s ability to get downhill resulting in him becoming an All-Star. A backcourt with Henderson and Dyson Daniels would have a lot of potential. Daniels is already a Defensive Player of the Year-caliber player. The Hawks should hold out for the biggest trade return they can get. This may not be it, but if the Hawks don’t get anything better, a Henderson-centered package would be something to get excited about.

The post Trail Blazers’ trade proposal for Trae Young amid Hawks fallout appeared first on ClutchPoints.

After the game, Avdija shouted out his teammates, who also stepped up to make some plays in the win over the Spurs.

“This camaraderie, this team, it’s just fun to play,” said Avdija, per the official NBA account on X, formerly Twitter.

The Blazers have had somewhat of a tumultuous year so far in 2025-26, as the team got off to a relatively surprising start to the season before seeing their head coach, Chauncey Billups, placed on leave after his arrest for alleged involvement in a gambling scandal.

Since then, Portland has been up and down this year, with younger players like Shaedon Sharpe, Toumani Camara, Donovan Clingan, and others continuing to develop their games on both ends of the floor.

Avdija is playing like a borderline All-Star this year, and if the team’s record was a little bit better, he would likely have an even stronger case for his first bid into the big game, but he still might get in regardless.

In any case, the Blazers will next hit the floor on Monday night for a home game against the Utah Jazz, who have been playing some improved basketball as of late. Tipoff for that game is set for 10:00 pm ET from Portland.

The post Blazers’ Deni Avdija toasts teammates after birthday triple-double appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Avdija is going through his sixth season in the NBA, his second with the Blazers. He has bloomed into one of the league’s best stars, standing out as Portland’s top scorer while having the squad in the conversation for a potential playoff spot.

Avdija was due for a big game during Portland’s matchup against San Antonio. Being on the road, they needed a strong win over one of the best performing teams in the league and Avdija pulled through. One of his big shots came within the final minute of regulation, pulling up for a tough 3-pointer over the San Antonio defender to put Portland up 114-110.

DENI AVDIJA DAGGER

Blazers escape the Spurs!pic.twitter.com/br26Or4LDh

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 4, 2026

How Deni Avdija, Trail Blazers played against Spurs

Deni Avdija and the Blazers stunned the Spurs with big plays down the stretch, escaping with the 115-110 win on the road.

Portland had a strong start to the game, taking a 35-24 lead after the first quarter. Despite San Antonio’s efforts to rally back, the Blazers made enough plays in the fourth quarter to stop the comeback and secure the victory.

Four players scored in double-digits for Portland in the win, including Avdija. He led the way with a triple-double performance of 29 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists, and a block. He shot 9-of-23 from the field, including 3-of-6 from beyond the arc, and 8-of-11 from the free-throw line. Donovan Clingan came next with 24 points and 12 rebounds, Toumani Camara had 20 points and eight rebounds, while Caleb Love provided 16 points and five rebounds.

Portland improved to a 16-20 record on the season, holding the ninth spot in the Western Conference standings. They are even with the Memphis Grizzlies while trailing the Golden State Warriors by 2.5 games and Phoenix Suns by five games.

The Trail Blazers will look forward to their next matchup, being at home. They host the Utah Jazz on Jan. 5 at 10 p.m. ET.

The post Blazers send Spurs home with Deni Avdija dagger appeared first on ClutchPoints.

After the game, Holmgren discussed how the Thunder tightened up its defense after halftime.

“Playing as a unit on that end of the floor, just being connected. We’re all flying around. When you do that, you can really speed teams up,” Holmgren said. “But at the same time, you have to be ready to move fast, and help each other, as well, because you’re going to give up advantages. When that’s happening, you just gotta be able to cover for each other multiple times.”

Holmgren has finished with 12 blocks across his previous three outings, all victories, following the Thunder’s loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Christmas Day. Oklahoma City’s win against the Trail Blazers wraps up a four-game homestand at the Paycom Center.

Chet Holmgren discusses opposing teams’ defense vs. Thunder

Thunder forward Chet Holmgren feels the difference in how opposing teams defend him compared to how they defend his teammates. Coming off a win against the Hawks that came down to the wire, Holmgren reflected on how he’s forced to adapt to the opposition’s defensive schemes.

“Every single game is different, which, really, it is. I feel like I get guarded [differently] more than anyone else on the team, just depending on other team’s personnel, how they want to scheme things up,” Holmgren said. “But I think it’s beautiful.

“Take what the defense gives me, be aggressive, and just try to get my stuff into the game — some nights it’s going to be turning over my right shoulder, some nights it’s going to be turning over my left shoulder. Just got to be efficient and quick to get to my stuff.”

The Thunder will face the Warriors on the road on Friday.

The post Chet Holmgren praises Thunder’s defense after blowout win vs Trail Blazers appeared first on ClutchPoints.

“The Blazers say Jrue Holiday has been cleared for on-court work and is nearing his return. Scott Henderson has initiated non-contact, on-court activities and will be re-evaluated in two weeks from his left hamstring tear. Jerami Grant is day-to-day with his Achilles tendonitis,” Siegel wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Holiday has only played for 12 games and suffered a calf strain earlier in the season. The league has been very cautious with how they bring players back from calf strains, as they can lead to bigger injury issues. Holiday is also one of the veterans on the team, and it may take him a little longer to recover from injuries.

As for Henderson, he’s still trying to work his way back on the court after tearing his hamstring a week before training camp. Even without two of their guards, the Trail Blazers have done what they could, as many others have stepped up in their absence. Deni Avdija is one of the players who has taken the Trail Blazers by storm, and it’s safe to say he’s having an All-Star caliber season with the stats that he puts up every night.

Hopefully, when Henderson and Holiday can return, the Trail Blazers can go on a run and climb up the standings, as they’re currently in 10th place.

It will be a tall task for them, especially when looking at the teams that are ahead of them, like the Memphis Grizzlies and Golden State Warriors.

The post Trail Blazers get positive injury updates on Jrue Holiday and Scoot Henderson appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The franchise icon signed a three-year, $41.6 million contract with the Blazers, an organization that allowed him to blossom into an All-NBA talent through the first 10 seasons of his career. Now that he is back in Portland, Dame has a new outlook on his injury recovery and what the future holds for him.

More importantly, he’s grateful and at peace with his decision to sit out the entirety of the 2025-26 NBA season in order to be 100 percent for the start of next year.

“It’s going great. I think it’s just one of those injuries where you’ve got to take your time. You know, it takes what it takes,” Lillard said of his injury recovery when speaking with Amazon Prime’s Allie Clifton recently. “The first couple of weeks, maybe two or three months, is kind of frustrating because you’re so limited. But with patience, giving yourself grace, and doing the things necessary to continue progressing, you get to a point where you start to see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

Regardless of what injury a player is dealing with, stars like Lillard are always looking to do everything they can to get back on the court. This was Lillard’s mindset at first, but he understands the time that goes into recovering from an Achilles injury.

Although it was a tough decision, Lillard claims he feels “even better” now about his decision to sit out the year after seeing what goes into his rehab and how his body feels entering 2026.

“Just getting further along and seeing that everything is coming back. I think that’s the number one concern: ‘How am I going to move after this?’ So, getting everything back and just getting to the point where I have to get used to unpredictable movements, a little bit of contact, picking up the pace more and more, being up in the air, landing, not thinking about it too much, stuff like that.

“I feel better about the decision to give myself the maximum amount of time. Also, looking at our team and the type of growth that we’ve had, I know if I’m able to do this and come correct, we’ll have a great shot next season.”

The 35-year-old star finds himself in a unique situation now that he’s back in Portland. Unlike his previous years with the Blazers, Lillard is no longer the focal point of the roster.

This team is led by young, emerging talents in Deni Avdija and Shaedon Sharpe, which is why Lillard now finds himself in a unique role as a veteran leader of the organization. He will be vital to the overall success of the franchise moving forward, especially since Dame’s experience and expertise will help those around him grow and expand their individual games.

Sitting out the entire 2025-26 season is certainly not ideal for Lillard, but he has become a leading voice for the young players on the Trail Blazers and will be ready to go for the start of the 2026-27 season.

The post Why Blazers’ Damian Lillard has zero regrets about missing season for Achilles injury rehab appeared first on ClutchPoints.

• Steal
• Slam

Shaedon Sharpe making it happen on BOTH ends of the court

pic.twitter.com/y19Bc39Uo1

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 27, 2025

Shaedon Sharpe’s dunk came very early in the first quarter of the Blazers game after he came up with a steal off a poor pass from Clippers guard James Harden. Sharpe ran a 2-on-1 fast break with Deni Avdija and only Clippers guard Kris Dunn back defensively. Sharpe hit Avdjia with a pass, and Avdija threw a lob back to Sharpe after Dunn committed. The play helped the Blazers establish early control of the game.

Sharpe has been one of the Blazers most intriguing young players, and he was showing why against the Clippers. As of halftime, he had 12 points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal in about 15 minutes of play. Sharpe was shooting 5-of-9 from the field and 2-of-4 from the 3-point line.

The No. 7 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, Sharpe has improved each season he’s been in the league. Coming into Friday’s game against the Clippers, he had appeared in 26 games, including 20 starts, at a little over 29 minutes per game. He had been averaging a career-high 22.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.6 steals with splits of 46.2 percent shooting from the field, 31.8 percent shooting from the 3-point line and 76.6 percent shooting from the free-throw line.

Sharpe has also established himself as one of the best dunkers in the league, but he has yet to appear in the NBA’s Dunk Contest. He was set to participate in 2023, but eventually withdrew.

The post Shaedon Sharpe hits epic slam dunk after savvy steal appeared first on ClutchPoints.

It is no secret that the Bucks are trying to quell the trade rumors surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo. The star forward has maintained that he wants to focus on their campaign, even reportedly urging his teammates to shut out the outside noise.

ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel reported that Milwaukee is trying to add more talent, perhaps to appease Antetokounmpo. Siegel noted that the Bucks could call the Portland Trail Blazers again for a possible deal for Jerami Grant and Robert Williams III.

“Some believe the Bucks, who already have a working relationship with Portland dating back to their Damian Lillard trade, have a path to landing both Grant and Robert Williams III as impactful trade deadline additions to improve the team on both ends of the floor,” wrote Siegel.

He added that the Bucks have enough assets to make it happen.

“Between Bobby Portis, Kyle Kuzma, and another smaller contract, Milwaukee has the cap flexibility to pull off such a trade for the two Blazers veterans,” said Siegel.

Grant, who’s averaging 20 points this season, could be an upgrade from Kuzma, while Williams is a better rim protector than Portis.

The Bucks are struggling with a 12-18 record, which places them in the 11th spot in the Eastern Conference. Antetokounmpo has been sidelined since December 3 due to a soleus injury.

Meanwhile, Siegel noted that Washington Wizards’ Corey Kispert and Miami Heat’s Andrew Wiggins are also being linked to the Bucks.

The post NBA rumors: Could Bucks land both Jerami Grant, Robert Williams III in Blazers trade? appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The Pistons’ report is long but manageable. Duren is listed as probable with left shoulder soreness, a crucial note for a team that controls games through the paint. Ronald Holland II is doubtful with left knee soreness, trimming wing depth. Isaac Jones, Bobi Klintman, Chaz Lanier, Wendell Moore Jr., and Tolu Smith remain out due to G League assignments or two-way status. Despite the list, the Pistons have shown stability. Their system travels. Their defense sets the tone early. When Duren is active, Detroit rebounds, protects the rim, and plays from a position of calm.

The Blazers’ list hits closer to its core. Grant is doubtful with left Achilles soreness, a potential absence that shifts both scoring and defensive responsibilities. Scoot Henderson remains out with a left hamstring tear. Jrue Holiday is sidelined with a right calf strain. Damian Lillard continues left Achilles injury management. Javonte Cooke is unavailable on a two-way assignment. The margin has been thin, and the Blazers have survived on execution.

Pistons vs. Blazers Outlook

Portland’s recent surge has been fueled by urgency and confidence. Close games have tilted their way. Detroit brings a different challenge. The Pistons play with structure and patience. They defend without panic and punish mistakes inside.

If Duren suits up, the Pistons control the paint. If Grant sits, Portland must improvise quickly. One team holds the standings. The other holds momentum. When the lights come on, which edge lasts?

The post Pistons vs. Blazers injury report features Jalen Duren, Jerami Grant appeared first on ClutchPoints.

First, it began with Chanuncy Billups and Terry Rozier of the NBA, who were indicted on federal charges of illegal gambling practices. Then, MLB was hit when revelations emerged that Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luiz Ortiz were indicted on similar charges.

As a result, discussions about the side effects of excessive sports betting have arisen. Now, it is likely that regulations will be coming in the new year, according to Pablo Torre Finds Out.

According to Torre, Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) is proposing federal legislation to provide oversight over the phenomenon of sports prop betting.

Breaking: @PabloTorre has gotten word from Senator Brian Schatz that federal legislation may be proposed in 2026 to regulate sports prop betting in the United States pic.twitter.com/RMRU3e5eeo

— Pablo Torre Finds Out (@pablofindsout) December 22, 2025

Prop betting is when a wager is place on a specifc event or an individual performance. In other words, determining whether an NBA player score over or under 20 points or if an MLB pitcher accumulates a certain amount of strikeouts.

It also provides another dimension of anticipation during the game as opposed to the outcome.

The evolution of sports betting since the Supreme Court decision. 

In 2018, the Supreme Court decision Murphy v. NCAA struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). Therefore, empowering states to implement their own set of sports betting laws and regulations.

As a result, wagers on sporting events have dramatically increased. From 2017 to 2023, wagers increased from $4.9 billion to $123 billion.

Also, sports betting outlets such as FanDuel and DraftKings have exploded in popularity, marketing, and usage. Professional leagues and networks such as ESPN have established formal partnerships with both.

At the same time, the increased usage of sports betting has led to increased levels of gambling addiction as well as increased scruitny about the integry of sports.

The post Terry Rozier, Emmanuel Clase scandals leads to possible prop betting regulations in 2026 appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The Kings looked like they were on their way to victory after DeMar DeRozan drained the go-ahead basket with 4.4 seconds left.

Russell Westbrook, however, was whistled for a shooting foul against Avdija in the ensuing possession. The much-improved forward calmly sank both freebies with 1.5 ticks remaining.

The Kings lost on this questionable foul call tonight in Portland. Up one after a DeRozan jumper late in overtime and Russell Westbrook is whistled for this at the buzzer to give Demi Avdija two game-winning free throws. pic.twitter.com/5b1cf2ZVqg

— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) December 19, 2025

The Kings tried to challenge the controversial call, but to no avail. They also had a chance to steal the win, but Keon Ellis missed on his jumper.

Avdija led the charge anew for the Trail Blazers with a game-high 35 points on 12-of-19 shooting. He added five rebounds, and five assists. Shaedon Sharpe also had a big game with 26 points on 11-of-22 shooting, four rebounds, and four assists.

For the second straight game, Portland showed its grit in a close affair. The team upset the Golden State Warriors, 136-131, on Sunday to snap a three-game skid.

DeRozan sent the game into overtime, 115-115, with a three-pointer. They went on a 17-2 in the final minutes of regulation. He finished with 33 points on 10-of-16 shooting, four rebounds, and two steals. His valiant effort, however, wasn’t enough to stave off the Trail Blazers.

Portland improved to 11-16, while Sacramento fell to 6-21.

The 24-year-old Avdija has been a revelation in his second season in Rip City. He could get a spot in the All-Star Game for the first time.

The Trail Blazers will look to win three in a row when they take on the Kings anew on Saturday.

The post Blazers stun Kings in OT after controversial foul call with 1.5 seconds left appeared first on ClutchPoints.

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, league executives believe Murphy has drawn interest from multiple teams across the conference, even as Golden State remains a frequently mentioned suitor.

“The Golden State Warriors have been enamored with Murphy since he was eligible for the draft, league sources told HoopsHype. With that said, rival executives around the league believe the Warriors will ultimately prioritize a Giannis Antetokounmpo pursuit ahead of Murphy before cashing in all their trade chips in an attempt to land the Pelican forward.

Multiple executives have also circled the Portland Trail Blazers as a potential buyer ahead of the trade deadline and among the teams that like Murphy around the league. Some executives around the league who’ve spoken with HoopsHype have also wondered aloud if it would take a package similar to the Desmond Bane trade to acquire Murphy, who’s only 25 years old and signed through the 2028-29 season.

Warriors, Blazers circle Trey Murphy III trade as Pelicans navigate difficult start

While it’s unlikely New Orleans would part with Murphy, it won’t stop teams from inquiring leading up to the deadline in February.”

Murphy’s combination of size, shooting and defensive versatility has elevated his profile leaguewide during his fifth NBA season. The 25-year-old is averaging 21.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.7 steals per game while playing 35.5 minutes per contest across 25 appearances. He is shooting 48.9% from the field and 36% from three-point range, emerging as one of the Pelicans’ most consistent contributors.

Despite Murphy’s production, New Orleans has struggled to find momentum. The Pelicans are 5-22 on the season, though they are coming off a two-game win streak capped by a 114-104 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Sunday. The team remains near the bottom of the Western Conference standings as it evaluates its long-term direction.

Murphy is in the first season of a four-year, $112 million contract he signed in October 2024. He is earning $27 million this season, with his deal running through the 2028-29 campaign. His age, contract security and two-way impact make him a valuable asset, which could complicate any trade discussions for New Orleans.

Golden State continues to be linked to Murphy as it searches for ways to improve a roster hovering around .500. The Warriors are 13-14 after dropping their second straight game Sunday in a 136-131 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. They will attempt to rebound Thursday night against the Phoenix Suns (14-12) at 9:00 p.m. ET before returning to San Francisco for a three-game homestand beginning Saturday with another matchup against Phoenix at 8:30 p.m. ET.

Portland, meanwhile, has emerged as another Western Conference team to monitor. The Trail Blazers are 10-16 and recently defeated Golden State, adding intrigue to Scotto’s reporting that league executives view them as a potential buyer. Portland will host the Sacramento Kings (6-20) on Thursday night at 10:00 p.m. ET.

New Orleans will open a three-game homestand Thursday night at 8:00 p.m. ET against the Houston Rockets (16-7). While the Pelicans are not expected to move Murphy, continued interest from teams like the Warriors and Trail Blazers ensures his name will remain prominent in league-wide trade discussions.

The post NBA rumors: Warriors aren’t only West team getting linked to Trey Murphy III trade appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Blazers forward Deni Avdija sent a direct video message to his childhood hero in a video shared by the team on X, formerly Twitter.

“Hey John [Cena], for a guy who grew up watching you, I just want to wish you good luck on your last match. Let’s get ’em baby,” Deni Avdija said, punctuating the message by performing Cena’s trademark motion.

Good luck in your final match, @JohnCena

Rip City is cheering you on, especially Deni pic.twitter.com/NUSlF2v6SZ

— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) December 13, 2025

The message highlighted how long Cena’s influence has stretched beyond wrestling and into other sports, and Avdija’s tribute was no coincidence. The Blazers’ forward is a self-described member of “Cenation,” the fan base surrounding Cena throughout his wrestling career.

Avdija delivered a memorable crossover moment between the NBA and WWE during a January 2025 game against the Milwaukee Bucks. After hitting an and-one basket, Avdija rose from the floor and waved his hand in front of his face, recreating the iconic “you can’t see me” taunt popularized by WWE legend John Cena.

The gesture immediately caught attention, and it was followed by the John Cena theme song, which Avdija requested be played in the arena following his and-one conversions.

The Blazers organization leaned into the moment, posting a message of support ahead of the farewell. The message made clear that Avdija’s gesture reflected not just personal fandom but a broader show of support from the franchise.

“Good luck in your final match John Cena. Rip City is cheering you on, especially Deni,” the Portland Trail Blazers posted on X, formerly Twitter.

That final match came at Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington, D.C., where Cena closed his legendary 23-year WWE career.

One final goodbye.

Thank YOU, @JohnCena. pic.twitter.com/hg8gNpbILG

— WWE (@WWE) December 14, 2025

Despite a valiant effort, he was forced to tap out after Gunther locked in a sleeper hold. Following the match, a tribute video played as Cena saluted the crowd, left his armbands and sneakers in the ring, and said “it’s been a pleasure serving you all these years,” before exiting one last time.

The post Blazers’ Deni Avdija shouts out John Cena before SNME retirement match appeared first on ClutchPoints.

But Jerami Grant and company weren’t going down without a fight. They’ve battled all night long, and they’ve climbed to within single digits. The game is now hanging in the balance, and Grant’s emphatic slam surely did more than its fair share in empowering the Blazers to perhaps finish their comeback bid.

With 6:45 to go and the Blazers down by eight, 104-96, Grant, who’s not a big presence on the boards, crashed the glass on a three-point miss from Kris Murray. The Blazers forward then proceeded to lower his shoulder against Scottie Barnes and threw down a mean one-handed slam that got the momentum squarely in Portland’s favor.

Jerami Grant SLAMS IT DOWN over Scottie Barnes

pic.twitter.com/ZxGIOYDGB4

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 3, 2025

Grant has become more of a finesse shot creator in recent years, so to see him use his strength on the interior has got to be a welcome sight for the Blazers. With the team missing the likes of Jrue Holiday, Scoot Henderson, and Matisse Thybulle, Portland needs every bit of energy infusion they can get, and Grant just gave it to them in a big way.

Blazers’ comeback bid is going to fall short

The Blazers have outscored the Raptors by double digits in the fourth quarter, but the deficit they had to overcome in the first place was too big. The Raptors have gotten nearly everything they want on offense all night long, and this continues a worrying trend for Portland, a team that was supposed to be defense-oriented.

The Blazers currently rank 21st in defensive rating, allowing 116.3 points per 100 possessions. They’re going to have to figure it out on that end of the floor if they were to truly challenge for a play-in spot in the loaded West.

Grant did everything in his power, including make a difficult triple with 1.8 seconds left to cut the Raptors’ lead to two, but in the end, it wasn’t enough in a 121-118 defeat.

The post Blazers’ Jerami Grant posterizes Scottie Barnes to fuel comeback bid appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Javonte Cooke played three seasons at Mars Hill University and one season at Winston-Salem State before going undrafted in the 2023 NBA Draft. He played in the G League and had a couple of appearances at NBA Summer League with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Miami Heat. He also played briefly in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL).

It wasn’t until this season that he made a final NBA roster via a two-way contract with the Blazers. After having spent a couple of years grinding in the G League, Cooke believes his D2 experience helped prepare him for the next part of his journey.

“The crazy thing is I didn’t play high school ball until my junior and senior year at a private school. I didn’t play middle school ball. I had to move schools to play my first team organized ball. My whole life has been a grind,” Cooke told ClutchPoints in an exclusive interview. “Me coming to the G League was like, ‘Oh this is awesome. Whereas somebody that might come from D1 coming to the G League is like, ‘man, what’s going on, what is this?’”

“I take everything for what it is. I’m just grateful for every chapter that I had to go through,” Cooke continued. “It’s led me to where I am now, and it’s gonna keep me going.”

Javonte Cooke’s journey to the NBA

Cooke first foray into the G League came during the 2022-23 season when he joined the Iowa Wolves as a tryout player. He appeared in 41 games for the Wolves at a little over 19 minutes per game. He averaged 7.5 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.5 assists while shooting 42.2 percent from the field, 31.9 percent from the 3-point line and 65 percent from the free-throw line.

He was invited to summer league with the Timberwolves that offseason, and then was brought to training camp. Cooke was one of the team’s final cuts in camp, and he ended up re-joining Iowa for another season in the G League.

This time around, Cooke’s numbers rose in a big way. He put up 16.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.1 steals while shooting 44.1 percent from the field and 36.4 percent from the 3-point line.

Cooke played parts of two seasons with the Iowa Wolves, and he was picked up by the Oklahoma City Thunder for training camp ahead of the 2024-25 season. The Thunder cut him and he would join the Oklahoma City Blue for a third season in the G League.

Now on a two-way contract with the Blazers, Cooke is no stranger to the G League. He will split time this season between the Blazers and their affiliate, the Rip City Remix, and he’s embracing whatever lies ahead.

“The G League is a grind for sure. I feel like it prepared me to the fullest for this next chapter I’m stepping into in the NBA, whenever that time comes. But it’s a grind, late nights, early mornings, commercial flights, all the stuff that goes on with the G League,” Cooke said. “It’s more behind the scenes than the pretty stuff that’s shown. If you’re committed, you’ll say in it and you’ll grind it out.”

Cooke has been in NBA training camps before with the Timberwolves and Thunder, but this is the first time he’s made it past camp and onto a team’s final regular season roster. Cooke was actually waived by the Blazers during camp, and then re-signed to a two-way contract right at the beginning of the season.

He appeared in three preseason games with the Blazers averaging 3.3 points and 1.7 rebounds. The organization saw enough during camp to warrant signing him to a two-way contract, and he was able to pick up quite a few things in terms of what it takes to hold down an NBA roster spot.

“I learned a lot since I’ve been here with this organization, just how hard and intentional you have to be on every play. I’ve never been so intentional on sideline out of bounds plays, baseline out of bounds plays, on defense,” Cooke said. “They say we get like seven of those per game on average. We want to win that stack. I’ve never even thought about it. So it’s the intentionality behind what we do instead of just doing it. That’s what type of guy I am. I need to know the reasoning behind something.”

What Javonte Cooke brings to Blazers

When the 2025-26 season began, Cooke started the year with the Rip City Remix. He played in the first four games of the Remix’s season as part of the G League’s Showcase Cup schedule. In those four games, he put up 20.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.0 blocked shots while shooting 45.8 percent from the field and 36.5 percent from the 3-point line.

Since then, Cooke has been recalled by the Blazers and was with the team to close out November. He played three games with the Blazers with his best game statistically coming on Nov. 19 against the Chicago Bulls. Cooke played a little over eight minutes and finishing with four points, one rebound, one assist and one steal.

Cooke is eligible for up to 50 NBA games this season, and he will no doubt be assigned to Rip City at various points throughout the city. Whenever the Blazers need him, Cooke will be ready, confident that he will be able to help the team in multiple ways.

“Some of the same things I bring to the Remix, my energy for sure. I feel like [my energy] it’s contagious. My energy, my shooting, and just my defensive capability,” Cooke said. “And if I’m not playing, I’m still a great talker to the guys that are playing, a great motivator. I’m a good cheerer over there. It’s different when you’re grateful to be in a position. You look at it different and carry yourself differently.”

The post Javonte Cooke and the road less traveled path to the NBA [Exclusive] appeared first on ClutchPoints.

After the win, Daigneault addressed Avdija, attempting 23 of 37 free throws in the Thunder’s victory against the Blazers on Sunday.

“Can’t control the officiating and how the games get called. So, we control what we can,” Daigneault said. “There’s plenty inside the game that we can control. I thought Avdija, tonight, shot 23 free throws, and anytime that happens, to us, we’re going to look in the mirror first. That’s the reality. We could have done a lot better with him in terms of executing our plan, putting him in more of a crowd.

“He was on an island a lot of the night, especially in the first half, and you got three officials staring at him when that’s the case.”

Daigneault says the Thunder has to do a better job of maintaining opposing teams on the defensive end of the floor.

“So, they went and got a lot of plays tonight,” Daigneault added. “But we’re going to try to control what we can and let the chips fall when they may.”

Mark Daigneault impressed by Deni Avdija in Thunder win

Before facing the only team that’s handed the defending champion a loss this season, Thunder coach Mark Daigneault warned his team of Deni Avdija and the Blazers. Therefore, it didn’t come as a surprise to see Avdija put together such a dominating performance in a losing effort.

“Avdija’s a really good player — he’s proven that, this season,” Daigneault said. “He’s a great driver. He’s got all the tricks in terms of punishing you when you’re not legal. He’s very, very difficult to cover. I thought we did a really good job in Oklahoma City. He shot three free throws, and we really held him in check. I thought a lot of it was game plan. He didn’t play his best game, but our game plan was sharper that night than it was tonight.

“When you kind of get off the plan like that, those guys can make you play. The whistle was obviously tighter tonight. So, that helped, as well. But we obviously have to be better against a player like that. He’s a load,” Daigneault concluded.

The Thunder will conclude its quick two-game road trip against the Warriors on Tuesday.

The post Thunder will ‘look in the mirror’ to fix foul issues after Deni Avdija’s big night appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Avdija is going through the sixth season of his NBA career, his second with the Trail Blazers. Since coming over from Washington, he has bloomed into a star as he’s currently the top scoring option for the team.

His performance against the league-best Thunder squad was another example of that. In 37 minutes of action, Avdija finished with a stat line of 31 points, 19 rebounds, 10 assists, and a steal. He shot 6-of-14 from the field, including 0-of-4 from beyond the arc, and 19-of-23 from the free-throw line.

Avdija made history with that stat line, per ESPN Insights. He became the second player to ever score 30 or more points in his first four triple-doubles.

“Deni Avdija tonight became the second player in NBA history to score 30+ PTS in each of his first four career triple-doubles,” the post read.

Deni Avdija tonight became the second player in NBA history to score 30+ PTS in each of his first four career triple-doubles.

31 PTS
19 REB
10 AST pic.twitter.com/dllErbbfZN

— ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) December 1, 2025

How Deni Avdija, Trail Blazers played against Thunder

Despite Deni Avdija’s historic efforts, it wasn’t enough as the Trail Blazers fell short in a 123-115 loss to the Thunder.

Portland competed with Oklahoma City throughout the course of the game. The hosts trailed by five before taking a one-point lead at halftime. However, the visitors fired back by pulling off big plays in the clutch and outscoring Portland 38-28 in the fourth quarter.

Ball movement and inside scoring made the difference in this matchup. The Thunder prevailed in both categories by creating 27 assists and scoring 56 points inside the paint. It wasn’t the same for the Trail Blazers as they dished out 22 assists and produced 36 points inside the paint.

Five players scored in double-digits for Portland in the loss, including Avdija. Toumani Camara delivered a solid performance of 19 points, eight rebounds and four assists. He shot 5-of-12 overall, including 5-of-10 from downtown, and 4-of-4 from the charity stripe. Jerami Grant came next with 18 points and three blocks, Kris Murray had 13 points and six rebounds, while Caleb Love provided 12 points and two steals.

Portland fell to an 8-12 record on the season, holding the 10th spot in the Western Conference standings. They are 1.5 games above the Utah Jazz and 2.5 games above the Dallas Mavericks while being even with the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Trail Blazers will look to bounce back in their next matchup, being on the road. They face the Toronto Raptors on Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m. ET.

The post Blazers star Deni Avdija’s extremely rare feat wasted in loss to Thunder appeared first on ClutchPoints.