Avdija's Trail Blazers Face Ex-Maccabi Star Evans in Historic NBA Game
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
The Portland Trail Blazers, with Israeli player Deni Avdija, will play the London Lions, featuring ex-Maccabi Tel Aviv guard Keenan Evans, in a historic first-ever NBA-UK team matchup. The game is part of Portland's preseason, with the Lions facing a tight schedule before a EuroCup game. Avdija previously starred in a preseason win against the Warriors, scoring 23 points.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Portland Trail Blazers will play London Lions in a historic NBA-UK preseason game.
- Israeli player Deni Avdija will face former Maccabi Tel Aviv player Keenan Evans.
- The London Lions have a demanding schedule, playing in Portland for 48 hours before a EuroCup game.
- Tariq Phillips, another ex-Israeli league player, will also compete for the London Lions.
- Deni Avdija scored 23 points in Portland's previous preseason victory over the Warriors.
The Portland Trail Blazers, featuring Israeli star Deni Avdija, are set to play an unusual preseason game against the London Lions. The Lions' roster includes Keenan Evans, a former player for Maccabi Tel Aviv. This matchup marks the first time an NBA team will play against a team from the United Kingdom.
Portland coach Tautvydas Sabonis, son of Blazers legend Arvydas Sabonis, acknowledged the timing wasn't ideal for his team's preseason schedule. For the London Lions, the game presents a challenging logistical situation, as they will be in Portland for only 48 hours before heading to Frankfurt for a EuroCup game on Thursday, where they currently hold a 1-1 record.
In addition to facing Evans, Avdija and the Trail Blazers will also encounter Tariq Phillips, a former Hapoel Jerusalem player now with the London Lions. Phillips expressed his excitement about the game, noting it would be the first time his daughter sees him play.
British media outlets are highlighting the Lions' ambitious season, noting they are the first British team to wear Jordan Brand uniforms and have applied for potential inclusion in the EuroLeague. This game is part of Portland's preseason preparations, following their 123-118 victory over the Golden State Warriors, in which Deni Avdija scored 23 points in 21 minutes.
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