Deni Avdija ended his part in Portland's 92-77 victory over Phoenix after just 59 seconds, following aggravation of a recurring lower back injury. Avdija, who was questionable for the matchup, still received a spot in the starting five. However, already in the Trail Blazers' second offensive possession, the Israeli All-Star felt pain while dribbling with his back to the basket, and immediately afterward went to the locker room and did not return to the court.