Shaedon Sharpe May Return for Trail Blazers’ Critical NBA Cup Matchup

PORTLAND, ORE. — The Portland Trail Blazers could welcome back guard Shaedon Sharpe in a crucial game against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night at the Moda Center. Sharpe has missed the last four games due to a right calf strain but was upgraded to questionable for the matchup, the team announced on Tuesday.

Sharpe’s recovery would be a significant boost for the Blazers, who are currently dealing with multiple injuries in their backcourt. Five players are already ruled out for Wednesday’s game, including Jrue Holiday (right calf strain), Scoot Henderson (left hamstring tear), Blake Wesley (right foot fracture), Matisse Thybulle (left thumb ligament tear), and Damian Lillard (left Achilles tear).

“Getting Shaedon back would really help us,” said Blazers coach Chauncey Billups. “With so many key players out, we need every available body we can get.”

The Trail Blazers’ thin rotation has forced them to rely on two-way players Caleb Love and Sidy Cissoko to fill in for their injured guards. Despite these challenges, they have averaged 10th in the NBA in points per game.

Meanwhile, the Spurs are also facing injury challenges, with rookie Dylan Harper listed as questionable to return from a calf strain. Harper has been a strong contributor when healthy, averaging 14 points, four rebounds, and four assists in the six games he participated in this season.

The game kicks off at 7 p.m. Pacific Time, and both teams are vying for a place in the NBA Cup knockout rounds. The Blazers currently hold an 8-10 record and need a win to keep their hopes alive.

Portland’s ability to score effectively will depend on how well the team can reintegrate Sharpe. He’s been averaging 22.6 points and 5.0 rebounds per game. The team also leads the league in offensive rebounds, creating second-chance opportunities that could be pivotal in a tightly contested game.

“We’re expecting a high-scoring affair,” added Billups. “Both teams have so much on the line, and we need to capitalize on every opportunity.”

With the stakes high for both teams, the Blazers hope to offer a spirited performance against the Spurs as they look to secure their spot in the tournament.