The two teams play for the second time this season. The Trail Blazers defeated the Celtics 114-108 in their last meeting on Dec. 28. Shaedon Sharpe led the Trail Blazers with 26 points, and Brown led the Celtics with 37 points.

For Deni Avdija, this season has been about growth, confidence, and consistency on the court. He recently brushed aside concerns over a lower back issue, assuring Trail Blazers fans he is fine, while off the hardwood, online hate tied to his nationality continued to follow him.

Caleb Love is emerging as one of the top rookies, and the undrafted guard is relishing the opportunity to contribute with the Trail Blazers.

Portland Trail Blazers small forward Deni Avdija left Thursday's game against the Miami Heat.

Portland looks to prolong its three-game win streak with a victory over Miami. Thursday's game is the second meeting this season between the two teams.

The Heat is now 1-2 on its five-game West Coast trip.

The opposition takes issue with two half-mile sections of the trail that would rise above the Hudson River, as well as increased visitation to the small village of Cold Spring.

A trail more than a decade in the making is soon to be completed, creating the first backcountry trail connection between Wasatch and Summit counties.

It’s estimated more the trail is used annually by around 800,000 people and provides a big boost for businesses through its economic impact, said Tabitha Kraack, executive director of the North Idaho Centennial Trail Foundation.