The Portland Trail Blazers are entering the final two months of the season with improved health, offering a rare opportunity for continuity after a season plagued by injuries. Following the All-Star break, acting coach Tiago Splitter oversaw practices featuring the team’s healthiest roster since October, signaling that key players may soon return to action.
Matisse Thybulle and Kris Murray participated fully in practices on Wednesday and Thursday, suggesting they are close to rejoining the active roster. While Splitter did not confirm their availability for Friday’s game against the Denver Nuggets at the Moda Center, he expressed optimism based on their recent performance in practice. “They’ve had two intense days here. We’ll see how they feel tomorrow,” he said. Their potential return is particularly significant as the Blazers aim to solidify their rotation and chase a spot in the play-in tournament.
Sharpe Remains Sidelined While Thybulle’s Return Provides Defensive And Offensive Boost
The news was less encouraging for Shaedon Sharpe, the Blazers’ starting shooting guard and second-leading scorer at 21.4 points per game. Sharpe, sidelined since February 6 with a left calf strain, has been ruled out for the Nuggets game, and his timeline for returning remains uncertain. Splitter emphasized that Sharpe’s absence will continue for the near future as the team evaluates his recovery.
Blazers Near Full Health, Poised To Strengthen Rotation And Chase Play In SpotThybulle’s return is especially noteworthy given his season-long struggles. After just four games, he underwent surgery to repair a torn UCL in his left thumb and later dealt with right knee tendinopathy, sidelining him since October 29. Despite limited action, Thybulle has proven to be a defensive and shooting asset, averaging 7.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.2 steals, and 1.9 assists in 21 minutes during the previous season, including shooting 44% from three-point range in a late-season hot streak.
Blazers’ Returning Players Bolster Depth, Cohesion, And Play-In Tournament Hopes
Murray, out since January 5 with a lower back strain, brings less experience but adds depth, having averaged 6.1 points, 4 rebounds, and 1.2 steals in 34 games this season. His potential return, along with Thybulle’s, provides optimism for Portland’s rotation and bench production as the team seeks consistency.
All-Star forward Deni Avdija reflected the team’s renewed energy, saying, “The most important thing is everybody’s healthy. 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.” With key players returning, the Blazers hope to capitalize on a mostly healthy roster as they navigate the final stretch and make a push for postseason contention.
The combination of Thybulle’s defensive prowess, Murray’s depth, and restored player availability sets the stage for Portland to stabilize its rotations, enhance cohesion, and maximize its chances in the highly competitive Western Conference as the regular season winds down.
