Avdija's Trail Blazers to Face Ex-Maccabi Star Evans in Historic NBA Game
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
The Portland Trail Blazers, with Israeli player Deni Avdija, will play the London Lions, including former Maccabi Tel Aviv player Kinan Evans, in a historic preseason NBA game. This is the first time an NBA team will face a UK team. The London Lions also feature ex-Hapoel Jerusalem player Tariq Phillips and have ambitious plans, including applying for EuroLeague membership. Avdija previously scored 23 points in a preseason win against the Warriors.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Portland Trail Blazers will play London Lions in historic NBA preseason game Tuesday.
- Israeli player Deni Avdija will face ex-Maccabi Tel Aviv guard Kinan Evans.
- This is the first NBA team to play against a UK team.
- London Lions also feature ex-Hapoel Jerusalem player Tariq Phillips.
- Avdija scored 23 points in Portland's previous preseason win.
The Portland Trail Blazers, featuring Israeli player Deni Avdija, are set to host the London Lions in a preseason game on Tuesday night at the Moda Center. This marks a historic occasion as the first-ever NBA team to play against a team from the United Kingdom. The London Lions roster includes former Maccabi Tel Aviv guard Kinan Evans and ex-Hapoel Jerusalem player Tariq Phillips.
Portland coach Tautvydas Sabonis, son of Blazers legend Arvydas Sabonis, acknowledged the unusual timing of the game during the preseason. For the London Lions, the schedule is particularly demanding. They will spend only 48 hours in Portland before heading to Frankfurt on Thursday for a EuroCup game, where they currently hold a 1-1 record. Tariq Phillips expressed his excitement about the game, noting that his daughter will be attending to watch him play for the first time.
The London Lions are undertaking ambitious initiatives this season, becoming the first British team to wear Jordan Brand uniforms and applying for a spot in the EuroLeague. This game is part of their broader strategy. For the Trail Blazers, this will be their second preseason match, following a 123-118 victory over the Golden State Warriors in their first. Deni Avdija notably scored 23 points in 21 minutes during that previous game.
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