The Portland Trail Blazers have emerged as one of the NBA's most surprising success stories to kick off 2026, posting an impressive 9-2 record during January that stands as the league's best for the month. This remarkable run has injected fresh optimism into a franchise navigating a rebuilding phase, but their momentum faces a significant hurdle as they prepare to host the Toronto Raptors on January 23 at the Moda Center, with tip-off scheduled for 7:00 PM PST.
The Blazers' injury report casts a long shadow over this highly anticipated matchup, featuring eight players in various stages of recovery and rehabilitation. The most concerning name on that list is undoubtedly Deni Avdija, Portland's ascending talent who appears poised for a breakout season before suffering a setback that now threatens his availability against Toronto.
Avdija's Back Injury: A Recurring Concern
The Israeli forward reinjured his lower back during Portland's convincing 127-110 victory over the Miami Heat on Thursday, an unfortunate development that has left the team's medical staff exercising caution. While the immediate diagnosis suggests the franchise has avoided a long-term scenario that would sideline Avdija for an extended period, his current designation as "doubtful" for the Raptors game raises legitimate concerns about Portland's ability to maintain their winning ways.
Head coach Tiago Splitter addressed the media following the Miami win, expressing initial optimism about Avdija's prospects for the Toronto contest. However, the doubtful tag indicates that the organization is prioritizing the 24-year-old's long-term health over short-term gains, a prudent approach for a player increasingly central to the Blazers' future plans.
The timing proves particularly frustrating for Portland's coaching staff and fanbase alike. Thursday's victory over Miami marked the first occasion since November 14 that the Blazers could deploy their preferred trio of Avdija, Jrue Holiday, and Jerami Grant simultaneously. That brief glimpse into the team's potential offered tantalizing hints of what a fully healthy Portland roster might accomplish, making Avdija's quick return to the injury report all the more disappointing.
Portland's Depleted Roster and Adjusted Rotations
Beyond Avdija's uncertain status, the Blazers face additional personnel challenges that test their depth and resilience. Center Robert Williams III and forward Duop Reath have both been officially ruled out for the Toronto matchup, further thinning Portland's frontcourt options. The absence of Williams, in particular, deprives the team of a defensive anchor and rim protector whose presence fundamentally alters opponents' shot selection.
In response to these setbacks, coach Splitter has announced that rookie Sidy Cissoko will step into the starting lineup in Avdija's place. The 20-year-old French wing, selected in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft, now faces a prime opportunity to showcase his development against quality competition. Cissoko's insertion into the first unit represents both a vote of confidence from the coaching staff and a necessary adjustment given the team's injury woes.
Meanwhile, veterans Jrue Holiday and Jerami Grant remain on minute restrictions as they continue managing their respective recovery timelines. The delicate balancing act between integrating these key contributors and preventing further setbacks exemplifies the challenges facing modern NBA franchises. Holiday's playmaking and defensive acumen, combined with Grant's scoring versatility, make them indispensable when available, but Portland's medical team clearly believes in erring on the side of caution.
Toronto's Own Injury Challenges
The Raptors arrive in Portland dealing with their own significant health questions, creating a matchup where both teams' fortunes may hinge on which side can field its core players. Toronto's most encouraging development involves RJ Barrett, the Canadian wing who has received an upgrade to questionable after missing action since January 9. Barrett's potential return would provide a massive boost for a Raptors squad that has performed admirably in his absence but clearly benefits from his scoring punch and veteran leadership.
However, Toronto's frontcourt remains compromised by the continued absence of Jakob Poeltl, who is sidelined with a lower back strain. The veteran center's injury history since joining the Raptors has become a recurring narrative, prompting the front office to actively explore trade deadline options for more reliable frontcourt depth. Poeltl's defensive positioning and screen-setting are difficult to replicate, forcing head coach Darko Rajaković to rely on younger, less experienced big men.
The symmetry between these two franchises extends beyond their shared injury concerns. Both Portland and Toronto entered the season in various stages of rebuilding, yet each has exceeded expectations through strategic player development, savvy coaching, and organizational patience. The Raptors currently occupy fourth place in the Eastern Conference with a 27-19 record, while the Blazers sit ninth in the Western Conference at 23-22, positioning both teams as potential playoff contenders rather than lottery participants.
Strategic Implications for Thursday's Showdown
The outcome of this cross-conference battle may ultimately depend on which team can overcome its injury adversity more effectively. If Avdija cannot suit up, Portland loses a versatile two-way player whose ability to guard multiple positions, facilitate offense, and stretch the floor has become increasingly valuable. His 14.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game averages only partially capture his impact, as his defensive rotations and basketball IQ often don't appear in traditional box scores.
Conversely, if Barrett returns for Toronto, the Raptors gain a proven scorer capable of creating his own shot and attacking closeouts, potentially exploiting Portland's weakened perimeter defense. Barrett's absence has forced Toronto's younger players into larger roles, accelerating their development but also exposing inconsistencies that a veteran presence might mask.
The coaching chess match between Splitter and Rajaković adds another layer of intrigue. Both relatively new to their positions, they have demonstrated adaptability in navigating roster limitations while establishing clear identity systems. Splitter's emphasis on pace and ball movement has maximized Portland's offensive output despite missing key personnel, while Rajaković's defensive schemes have kept Toronto competitive even when shorthanded.
Broader Context: Rebuilding Done Right
What makes this matchup particularly compelling is how both organizations have approached their respective rebuilds. Rather than pursuing short-sighted shortcuts or mortgaging future assets for marginal improvements, Portland and Toronto have committed to organic growth through draft development, strategic free agent additions, and culture building.
The Blazers' success in January stems from contributions up and down the roster, with unexpected players stepping into larger roles. This depth development proves invaluable during injury crises, as evidenced by Cissoko's impending start and the increased responsibilities for bench players like Shaedon Sharpe and Jabari Walker.
Similarly, Toronto's ability to weather Barrett's absence and Poeltl's intermittent availability speaks to their organizational depth and coaching quality. The emergence of rookie forward Gradey Dick and the continued improvement of second-year center Christian Koloko have given the Raptors options they lacked in previous seasons.
Looking Ahead: Playoff Implications
While it's only January, games between potential playoff teams carry added significance, particularly in the tightly packed Western Conference where Portland currently resides. The Blazers' 9-2 January record has elevated them from lottery afterthought to postseason conversation, but maintaining that momentum requires securing wins at home against quality opponents like Toronto.
For the Raptors, a victory on the road would solidify their standing among the East's elite and demonstrate their ability to win in challenging environments. With the trade deadline approaching, strong performances from role players could influence front office decisions about whether to add talent for a playoff push or continue building methodically.
Final Thoughts
As tip-off approaches, all eyes remain on the injury reports and pre-game warmups that will determine Avdija and Barrett's availability. The doubtful designation for Portland's young star suggests fans should prepare for a game without him, while Toronto's questionable tag on Barrett offers hope for his return.
Regardless of who takes the floor, this matchup represents a fascinating clash between two franchises executing similar rebuilding philosophies with impressive early results. The team that best adapts to its injury limitations while executing its game plan will likely emerge victorious, but both organizations can take pride in how far they've come.
Stay tuned for final updates as both teams release their official active rosters approximately 30 minutes before tip-off.