Matisse Thybulle, Kris Murray Closing In On Returns; Shaedon Sharpe Still Out

The Portland Trail Blazers are close to getting a pair of rotation players back into the lineup. Unfortunately, Portland will need to wait a bit to get a regular starter back.

Matisse Thybulle and Kris Murray are both close to returning for the Trail Blazers. Thybulle has played in just four games this season. He underwent thumb surgery in late-October, but it's been right knee soreness that has kept Thybulle out for a while.

Murray has been out for nearly two months due to a back strain. Both Thybulle and Murray have been updated for questionable for the Blazers first game post-All-Star break.

The new isn't as good on Shaedon Sharpe, however. Sharpe missed Portland's last four games before the All-Star break due to a strained calf. Trail Blazer head coach Tiago Splitter said it will be a while before the starting guard returns to the lineup.

"He didn't practice," Splitter said of Sharpe's availability. "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."