Don't look now, but the Portland Trail Blazers have the best January record at 9-2. They'll look to build on that impressive start to 2026 with a January 23 matchup against the Toronto Raptors, scheduled for a 7:00 PM PST tip-off at the Moda Center.
As has typically been the case this season, Portland will be shorthanded in this contest. Eight players show up on the injury report for the Blazers, with the unfortunate headliner being Deni Avdija. On Thursday, Portland's rising star reinjured his lower back in a 127-110 win over the Miami Heat.
We will update his status, as well as the status of every player on both teams' injury reports, as more information comes in closer to tip-off.
Update: Deni Avdija, Robert Williams III, and Duop Reath have all been ruled out for Portland. Sidy Cissoko will start in place of Avdija, per Tiago Splitter. Jrue Holiday and Jerami Grant remain on minute restrictions. RJ Barrett is available for Toronto; Collin Murray-Boyles has been ruled out.
Portland Trail Blazers injury report
Here is Portland's injury report:
- Deni Avdija: OUT (Lower Back Strain)
- Duop Reath: OUT (R Foot Soreness)
- Robert Williams III: OUT (L Knee Injury Management)
- Scoot Henderson: OUT (L Hamstring Tear)
- Damian Lillard: OUT (L Achilles Tendon)
- Kris Murray: OUT (Lumbar Strain)
- Matisse Thybulle: OUT (R Knee Tendinopathy)
- Blake Wesley: OUT (R Foot Fracture)
Avdija is currently listed as doubtful, which is not a promising development for Portland. The fact that he's not immediately ruled out suggests he avoided a long-term injury. Still, head coach Tiago Splitter said after their win over Miami that he expected Avdija to play against Toronto.
Their game against the Heat was the first time since Nov. 14 that the trio of Avdija, Jrue Holiday, and Jerami Grant was able to play together. That was short-lived, but gave us a glimpse of what this Blazers roster is trending towards as they continue to get closer to full strength. If they don't have Avdija, this could prove to be a difficult matchup, as Toronto is a much better team than many give them credit for.
Toronto Raptors injury report
Here is Toronto's injury report:
- RJ Barrett: AVAILABLE (L Ankle Sprain)
- Collin Murray-Boyles: OUT (L Thumb Contusion)
- Chucky Hepburn: OUT (G League - Two-Way)
- Jakob Poeltl: OUT (Lower Back Strain)
- Ja'Kobe Walter: OUT (R Hip Pointer)
The injury headliner for Toronto is RJ Barrett, who has been upgraded to questionable. That's a massive development for the Raptors, seeing that they've been without one of their best players since January 9.
Jakob Poeltl remains out with a lower back strain, as injuries have unfortunately plagued his career since coming over to Toronto. As a result, the Raptors are exploring frontcourt upgrades at the trade deadline to find a more reliable solution.
There are striking similarities between Portland and Toronto -- two rebuilding teams proving they are ready to take that next step by overcoming key injuries this season. Toronto sits 4th in the Eastern Conference at 27-19, while Portland is 9th in the Western Conference at 23-22.
Given how similar these teams are, the outcome of this game largely depends on which team gets their best players available, whether that is Avdija for Portland or Barrett for Toronto.
Stay tuned for updates.