TUALATIN — As the Portland Trail Blazers enter the final two months of their regular season, the team is seeing improved health, though not complete recovery. Following the weeklong NBA All-Star break, acting coach Tiago Splitter welcomed a roster that was healthier than it has been since October. Shaedon Sharpe remains sidelined due to injury, but Matisse Thybulle and Kris Murray participated fully in recent practices, signaling their possible return soon. This progress comes amid the Blazers’ ongoing efforts to solidify their position in the playoff race.
Thybulle and Murray’s Imminent Return to Action
Matisse Thybulle and Kris Murray took part in full practice sessions on Wednesday and Thursday, raising expectations that both could return to game play shortly. Splitter, however, exercised caution, stopping short of confirming whether either would be ready for the upcoming match against the Denver Nuggets at Moda Center on Friday.
They’ve had two intense days here,
Splitter said Thursday at the Blazers’ practice facility in Tualatin.
We’ll see how (they feel) tomorrow.
Thybulle’s return is particularly significant. The 6-foot-5 guard was expected to play a crucial backup role, contributing disruptive defense and long-range shooting to the Blazers’ fast-paced, full-court playing style. Unfortunately, his season was derailed early by a torn UCL in his left thumb that required surgery after only four games. Just as he began to recover, he developed right knee tendinopathy, preventing him from playing since October 29.
Even with limited time on the court this season, Thybulle made a strong defensive impact in his 15 games, tallying 33 steals and nine blocks. He also shot an impressive 44% from three-point range and averaged 7.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.2 steals, and 1.9 assists while playing 21 minutes per game.
Meanwhile, Kris Murray, who has been out since January 5 due to a lower back strain, has not matched Thybulle’s versatility but has contributed meaningfully during his 34 games and 11 starts this season. He has averaged 6.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.2 steals, making his return a welcome boost.
Shaedon Sharpe Remains Sidelined with Calf Injury
The Blazers received less optimistic news regarding Shaedon Sharpe, who has been sidelined since February 6 with a left calf strain. The starting shooting guard, who ranks second on the team in scoring with 21.4 points per game, was ruled out for the Nuggets game, and his timeline for recovery remains uncertain.
Splitter noted Sharpe’s absence from practice and said,
We’re still evaluating how long he’s going to be out, but for the near future, he’s going to be out for a little bit.
Impact of Improved Health on Blazers’ Playoff Ambitions
Despite the team’s struggles with injuries, Portland, currently holding a 27-29 record, is inching closer to full health as it strives for a spot in the play-in tournament. The potential returns of Thybulle and Murray bring renewed hope and energy to a roster that has dealt with the third-worst injury luck in the NBA this season.
All-Star forward Deni Avdija emphasized the importance of health, stating,
The most important thing is everybody’s healthy,
and added,
We’re healthy, we’re ready to go, our spirits are up, we’re in a good spot in the standings and our confidence is really good right now.
The returning players are expected to enhance the team’s defensive schemes and offensive versatility, reinforcing the Trail Blazers’ identity on both ends of the court and improving their chances of competing in the postseason.
