NBA Minutes Report: Dejounte Murray returns, Deni Avdija remains sidelined
As the calendar turns to February 28, the New Orleans Pelicans are finally receiving the reinforcement they have desperately awaited for their postseason push. Dejounte Murray, who has been navigating a cautious recovery from an Achilles ailment, has officially been cleared to return to the lineup. This development serves as a massive adrenaline shot for a Pelicans squad fighting for playoff stability in the crowded Western Conference. Murray is expected to suit up immediately for the team's pivotal clash with the Golden State Warriors, a matchup that carries significant seeding implications. His elite ability to disrupt passing lanes and orchestrate the offense has been sorely missed, and his reintegration into the rotation is expected to shift heavy minutes away from the reserve guards who had been filling the void.
Conversely, the news is far less encouraging for the Portland Trail Blazers. Forward Deni Avdija remains sidelined, with the organization confirming that he will not dress for the upcoming tilt against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite some initial optimism earlier in the week, Portland’s medical staff is opting for a conservative approach, ruling him out for the immediate future. With the Blazers firmly entrenched in the lottery conversation—much like their counterparts in Utah, who have recently faced league scrutiny for their aggressive roster management—there is little incentive to rush Avdija back before he is fully one hundred percent. The team will continue to distribute his minutes among their developmental wings, using this time to evaluate younger assets.
The return of Murray and the continued absence of Avdija perfectly encapsulate the duality of the NBA in late February. Contenders like New Orleans are racing to integrate stars for a championship run, hoping Murray can shake off the rust quickly to provide elite two-way production. Meanwhile, rebuilding franchises like Portland are exercising extreme patience, prioritizing long-term asset preservation over competitive urgency. As the Pelicans look to capitalize on Murray's fresh legs against Golden State, the Blazers are content to play the long game, ensuring Avdija’s health is not compromised in the season's final weeks.
Conversely, the news is far less encouraging for the Portland Trail Blazers. Forward Deni Avdija remains sidelined, with the organization confirming that he will not dress for the upcoming tilt against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite some initial optimism earlier in the week, Portland’s medical staff is opting for a conservative approach, ruling him out for the immediate future. With the Blazers firmly entrenched in the lottery conversation—much like their counterparts in Utah, who have recently faced league scrutiny for their aggressive roster management—there is little incentive to rush Avdija back before he is fully one hundred percent. The team will continue to distribute his minutes among their developmental wings, using this time to evaluate younger assets.
The return of Murray and the continued absence of Avdija perfectly encapsulate the duality of the NBA in late February. Contenders like New Orleans are racing to integrate stars for a championship run, hoping Murray can shake off the rust quickly to provide elite two-way production. Meanwhile, rebuilding franchises like Portland are exercising extreme patience, prioritizing long-term asset preservation over competitive urgency. As the Pelicans look to capitalize on Murray's fresh legs against Golden State, the Blazers are content to play the long game, ensuring Avdija’s health is not compromised in the season's final weeks.
