The Portland Trail Blazers are heading into Wednesday’s matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves with a growing list of unavailable players - and it just got longer. Shaedon Sharpe has officially been ruled out due to a left calf strain, adding to an already depleted rotation that includes Damian Lillard, Matisse Thybulle, and Kris Murray. None of the four will suit up for the game.
Sharpe’s absence is particularly notable. The fourth-year guard has been one of the few bright spots in a challenging season for Portland, averaging 21.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists across 30 minutes per game in 48 appearances. He’s missed the last two contests after exiting last Friday’s game against the Grizzlies with calf discomfort, and now the team is opting for caution.
With Lillard and Sharpe both sidelined, Portland is down its top two scoring threats in the backcourt. That puts even more pressure on the Blazers’ younger core and secondary playmakers to step up against a Timberwolves squad that’s been one of the West’s toughest defensive units.
Tip-off is set for 5:00 PM Pacific on Wednesday, and all eyes will be on how Portland adjusts without some of its key contributors.