Blazers Injury Updates: Avdija Questionable, Grant & Holiday Doubtful vs Kings

Portland's key players face mixed injury status ahead of crucial game against Sacramento.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 9:18pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball game, with overlapping shapes and planes representing the physical demands and strategic complexities of the sport.The Blazers' injury-plagued roster faces a critical test as they navigate the challenges of player health and the pursuit of victory.NYC Today

The Portland Trail Blazers are dealing with a mix of injury concerns for several of their key players ahead of their upcoming game against the Sacramento Kings. Forward Deni Avdija has been upgraded to questionable after missing the last three games with a lower back strain, while forwards Jrue Holiday and Jerami Grant have been downgraded to doubtful due to injury management. Backup center Robert Williams III is also doubtful due to left knee injury management.

Why it matters

The Blazers' injury situation could have a major impact on their performance against the Kings, as the availability of Avdija, Holiday, and Grant are crucial to the team's success. Balancing player health and recovery with the need to win games is a delicate challenge facing the coaching staff.

The details

Avdija has been recovering from a back tweak suffered against the New York Knicks, and his recent pregame workouts have shown promising signs of progress. However, Holiday and Grant, who have recently returned from extended injury absences, are being managed carefully due to the physical nature of their playing styles. Backup center Robert Williams III is also being held out for injury management reasons.

  • Avdija has missed the last three games with a lower back strain.
  • Holiday has been out for over eight weeks with a right calf strain.
  • Grant was out for a month with left Achilles tendonitis.

The players

Deni Avdija

A rising star forward for the Portland Trail Blazers who has been recovering from a lower back strain.

Jrue Holiday

A key forward for the Portland Trail Blazers who has recently returned from an eight-week absence due to a right calf strain.

Jerami Grant

A forward for the Portland Trail Blazers who has recently returned from a month-long absence due to left Achilles tendonitis.

Robert Williams III

The backup center for the Portland Trail Blazers who is being held out for injury management reasons.

Tiago Splitter

The acting coach for the Portland Trail Blazers.

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What they’re saying

“He's still recovering, but we're getting closer to that 100% mark. We want to ensure he's fully ready to handle the physicality of his game.”

— Tiago Splitter, Acting Coach

“We need to assess how they feel after each game, especially with the physical nature of their playing style.”

— Tiago Splitter, Acting Coach

What’s next

The Blazers will need to carefully evaluate Avdija's progress and the recovery of Holiday and Grant ahead of the game against the Kings. The team's performance and the availability of these key players could be a turning point in their season.

The takeaway

The Blazers' injury situation highlights the delicate balance between player health and the need to win games. The coaching staff must make tough decisions to manage the team's key players, while also trying to secure crucial victories. This challenge will be on full display in the upcoming game against the Kings.