Avdija Dismisses Foul-Call Criticism; Injuries Hit Blazers, Nuggets and Timberwolves
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Portland, OR — Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija brushed aside comments from Rockets swingman Tari Eason, who suggested that officials make the 23-year-old difficult to guard. Avdija leads the league with 386 free-throw attempts and 309 makes, but said the whistles are a by-product of his aggressive style.
“I drive the most in the league,” Avdija told The Oregonian. “I’m very physical, I initiate contact, and that’s my game. If it’s hard to stop, you’ve got to own it or do something else.”
Robert Williams exits with new knee issue
The Blazers lost center Robert Williams to a right knee injury early in Friday’s victory over Houston. The 26-year-old, whose career has been plagued by knee problems, is on an expiring contract and has surfaced in trade discussions.
Shorthanded Nuggets routed in Atlanta
Denver started Hunter Tyson, Peyton Watson, DaRon Holmes II, Christian Braun and Jalen Pickett on Saturday with every regular starter sidelined. Acting head coach David Adelman said the group looked “really, really tired” after a seven-game road trip as the Hawks rolled past the depleted champions. Guard Jamal Murray sat out because of illness and an ankle sprain after dishing out 33 assists in Denver’s previous two wins.
Timberwolves list Edwards, Randle as questionable
Minnesota may be without its two leading scorers against Cleveland on Sunday. Anthony Edwards is dealing with right-foot maintenance, while Julius Randle is nursing soreness in his left thumb.
Jazz fine-tune Cody Williams’ development
Utah is employing high-school-style drills and tweaking rookie wing Cody Williams’ approach in hopes of unlocking the No. 10 overall pick’s game. Williams is averaging 4.1 points and 1.5 rebounds in 23 bench appearances, head coach Will Hardy said.
Source: Hoops Rumors
