The Trail Blazers are close to getting a key player back for the play-in tournament.
Shaedon Sharpe, who has not played since Feb. 6, has been upgraded to doubtful for Portland’s game against San Antonio on Wednesday, according to Joe Freeman of Oregonlive.com. Sharpe has been sidelined by a stress fracture in his left fibula.
It’s a major development for a club sitting in the ninth spot in the Western Conference standings. The 2022 lottery pick is averaging a career-high 21.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.4 steals in 30 minutes per game while appearing in 48 contests (42 starts).
The latest development is somewhat of a surprise, according to Freeman. Acting coach Tiago Splitter said last week that Sharpe had not yet resumed full basketball activities.
“He’s getting better, but still not like on a court,” Splitter said. “He’s shooting free throws and stuff like that.”
Sharpe signed a four-year, $90MM rookie scale extension in October, which kicks in next season.
Vit Krejci, who has not played since March 15, is also listed as doubtful. He has missed the last 11 games with a left calf bruise.
The Blazers acquired him on Feb. 1 from Atlanta for Duop Reath and two second-round picks. He’s averaged 7.4 points and 2.8 rebounds in 18 games.