The NBA on Thursday released the second batch of returns for All-Star fan voting and Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija landed among the top 10 on Western Conference ballots.

The Portland Trail Blazers didn't sign Damian Lillard with any intentions of the franchise legend suiting up during the 2025-26 season. With that said, Lillard's Achilles tendon tear appears likely to keep Dame out for a full season.

Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks are pursuing a trade, and a deal to the Trail Blazers could make a lot of sense.

Deni Avdija had 33 points, nine assists and eight rebounds in three quarters, falling just short of his second consecutive triple-double, and the Portland Trail Blazers routed the Utah Jazz 137-117.

Portland earned its fifth win in the last six games to inch within three games of .500 for the first time since Nov. 26.

The Portland Trail Blazers haven't had Scoot Henderson at all this season. They got an encouraging injury update on him recently.

Deni Avdija had 34 points and 11 assists and the Portland Trail Blazers beat the injury-depleted New Orleans Pelicans 122-09 on Friday night.

Avdija averaged 26.8 points, 9.8 assists and 8.5 rebounds, while leading the Blazers to a 3-1 record, to win the award for the first time.

Two hot teams get together for the first game of a back-to-back when the Houston Rockets visit the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday.