Sun Jan 18 03:50:00 UTC 2026: ### Love Shines Off the Bench, Avdija Injured as Trail Blazers Go 2-1

The Story:

The Portland Trail Blazers posted a 2-1 record this week, securing two wins against the Houston Rockets and suffering a loss to the New York Knicks. While established players continued to contribute, rookie guard Caleb Love earned “Blazer of the Week” honors for his impactful performances off the bench. However, the week concluded on a sour note as Deni Avdija sustained a back injury during the loss to the Knicks, casting a shadow over his otherwise strong performance.

Key Points:

  • Caleb Love named “Blazer of the Week,” averaging 16.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists.
  • Love shot 42.3% from three-point range, with 26 of his 43 shot attempts coming from deep.
  • Love has scored in double figures in 11 straight games.
  • Deni Avdija averaged 28.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.0 assists.
  • Avdija scored a season-high 41 points in the game against the Knicks.
  • Avdija exited the game against the Knicks late in the fourth quarter with a back injury.
  • The Blazers will release an injury report for Avdija before Tuesday’s game against the Golden State Warriors.

Key Takeaways:

  • Caleb Love’s emergence as a reliable scorer off the bench provides a valuable boost to the Trail Blazers.
  • Deni Avdija’s injury presents a potential setback for the team, pending the severity of his condition.
  • The Trail Blazers’ performance remains inconsistent, highlighted by the split record this week.
  • The team’s reliance on young talent like Love suggests a focus on developing future assets.
  • Avdija and Love could be contenders to become Western Conference Player of the Week if they maintain their current performance levels.

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