Former Wizard Deni Avdija returns, leading a breakout season. Can Washington halt his success and end a losing streak?
Following a 119-115 loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday, the Washington Wizards return back to D.C. as they're set to host a former fan favorite.
Washington will take on Deni Avdija and the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday, January 27 at Capital One Arena.
Avdija, a former first-round pick by Washington in 2020, was traded to Portland on NBA Draft Day in 2024. Washington received two first-round picks, and Malcom Brogdon from Portland, with one of those picks turning into Bub Carrington.
However, Avdija has completely broken out in Portland, as he's leading his team in points per game (26.0), assists per game (6.9) and minutes played per game (34.9). The breakout star is on his way to make his first ever All-Star appearance, and Washington's GM Will Dawkins only had praise for his former player:
"Whenever you trade someone, you want them to go to a different place and have the opportunity to play like [Deni Avdija] has," Will Dawkins said. "When you see Deni at 25 in his prime, kind of ready to ascend, that timeline we knew wasn't going to be the same with the players we were trying to go after. It would have been a little early and thrown things off. He's a really good player, and we're happy to see his success."
After having an encouraging month of December going 6-8, the Wiz Kids have not won a game in 21 days.
Washington is currently on a nine game losing streak, and will have to out duel Avdija and the rest of this young Portland squad in order to avoid a double digit losing streak.
However, Washington will be short staffed in tonight's matchup as a pair of big men will be sidelined with injury.
Marvin Bagley III and Tristan Vukcevic have been officially ruled out for tonight's matchup. Bagley is dealing with a thoracic strain in his back, and Vukcevic is batting a left hamstring strain.
Newly acquired Wizard Trae Young will continue to be sidelined as he's rehabbing a right knee mcl strain and a quad contusion. However, Young is making progress and is trending towards playing after the All-Star break.
Washington will have their hands full in this one, especially without two of their key rotational big men. However, with the recent emergence of Tre Johnson, Kyshawn George and Alex Sarr, Washington certainly has enough firepower to steal a win at home.
Tip-off set for 7:10 PM ET.