Deni Avdija May Miss Israel's August Games With Back Injury

Israel national-team manager Moti Daniel said Deni Avdija is unlikely to join the August FIBA window because the Portland Trail Blazers player's back injury is not covered outside the NBA. Daniel said Portland blocked Avdija from the July window and that he does not expect the insurance situation to change by August. Israel Basketball Association chairman Amos Frishman said the August games will determine the campaign and called on every summoned player to report with commitment to the national team. Israel must win both August games to retain a realistic chance of reaching the World Cup.