"I Had a Hard Time Stepping on My Foot": Deni Avdija Battles Injury in NBA Playoff Series Against Spurs

Deni Avdija reveals left foot injury after Game 2 win vs Spurs. As series moves to Portland, Blazers star vows to play through the pain in NBA Playoffs.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 24, 2026, 4:37 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Sports 5

Playoff Intensity and the "Bite Your Lip" Mentality

The intensity of the 2026 NBA Playoffs has forced Portland's Deni Avdija to adopt a grit-first approach following a grueling Game 2 in San Antonio. Avdija admitted to reporters that he suffered a "pretty bad" injury to his left foot during the contest, noting that at several points, he struggled to even put weight on it. However, the forward made it clear that he has no intention of sitting out, stating that in the playoffs, players must "bite their lip and move on." The Portland medical staff is working around the clock to manage the inflammation, and Avdija remains confident that his condition will improve as the series shifts to Oregon.

The "Domino Effect" of Avdija’s Floor Leadership

Avdija’s presence proved decisive in Game 2, where he recorded 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists in 30 minutes of action. His contribution was most visible in the final seconds of the game; despite his physical limitations, he muscled through the paint to deliver a critical alley-oop assist to Robert Williams III, securing a 104–101 lead. Portland analysts, including Locked On Blazers host Mike Richman, noted that the team’s success is tethered to Avdija’s health. While he was seen using resistance bands and wearing heavy bandages on the sideline, his ability to return and execute in the fourth quarter provided the emotional spark Portland needed to steal a game on the road.

Wembanyama’s Absence Reshapes the Series Outlook

While Portland monitors Avdija, the San Antonio Spurs are facing a crisis with their franchise star, Victor Wembanyama. The "top seed in the West" lost Wembanyama in the second quarter of Game 2 after a violent fall resulted in a diagnosed concussion. League sources confirm that the 7-foot-4 center has entered the NBA's mandatory concussion protocol, which requires a minimum 48-hour recovery period and specific neurological benchmarks before a return to play. With Wembanyama potentially sidelined for Game 3 and beyond, the leverage has shifted toward a young, hungry Portland squad that thrived in the absence of the Spurs' defensive anchor.