Trail Blazers Near Full Strength as Sharpe and Krejci Target Return vs. Clippers

The Portland Trail Blazers could be close to full health ahead of the Western Conference Play-In Tournament as Shaedon Sharpe and Vit Krejci were upgraded to questionable for Friday’s game against the LA Clippers. If both players return, Portland will have only one regular-season contributor sidelined, Jerami Grant, who is out with a calf strain.

Sharpe has been sidelined since February 6 due to a stress reaction in his right fibula, missing 15 games. During that span, the Blazers went 5-10 without their top rookie, who averaged 12.3 points and 4.5 rebounds in 25 games this season. Krejci, who has been a key backup point guard, has missed the past six games since March 15 with a left calf contusion. His absence has forced Damian Lillard to play more minutes, averaging 38.1 minutes per game in March compared to 35.7 in February.

The Blazers are currently in a tight race for the final two playoff spots in the West. They sit at 38-39, one game ahead of the Clippers and one game behind the Sacramento Kings. The result of Friday’s game could determine the No. 8 and No. 9 seeds in the Play-In Tournament. Portland has won six of its last eight games, including two straight road wins against the Kings and the Memphis Grizzlies.

Krejci’s return would be a major boost to Portland’s second unit. He averaged 10.1 points and 4.5 assists in 22.3 minutes per game this season. His playmaking and floor IQ have been critical in keeping the Blazers competitive when Lillard and Jusuf Nurkic are off the court. Sharpe’s return could also provide an offensive spark, especially with the Blazers averaging just 104.2 points per game in his absence.

The Blazers have not had a full roster since January 12. Prior to that, players such as Anfernee Simons and Desmond Bane were also sidelined. Now with only Grant on the injury report, Portland is finally close to reaching full strength before the playoffs begin.

The team will make a decision on Sharpe and Krejci’s status after Friday’s practice. Portland is scheduled to play the Clippers at 10:30 PM ET. The result of that game could set the tone for the Blazers’ postseason path.