Matisse Thybulle and Kris Murray participated fully in practice over the last two days.
Feb 19, 2026, 9:54 PM UTC
Following an eventful NBA All-Star Weekend for the franchise, the Portland Trail Blazers hit the practice floor in Tualatin on Thursday to prepare for the stretch run of the regular season.
The practice media availability session included key injury updates from head coach Tiago Splitter, as well as interviews with Deni Avdija and Donovan Clingan.
Here are five quick notes from the day:
* Splitter said Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe didn’t practice on Thursday as he continues to recover from a left calf strain. He’ll be out for Friday’s game against the Denver Nuggets.
* “We’re still evaluating how long he’s gonna be out,” Splitter said. “For the near future, he’s gonna be out for a little bit.”
* In brighter news, Splitter said Blazers wings Matisse Thybulle (right knee tendinopathy) and Kris Murray (lumbar strain) practiced fully each of the past two days. Spitter said the team will see how the two players feel on Friday and then make a decision about their status for the Denver game.
* One thing to track moving forward is the contract situation of Blazers forward Sidy Cissoko. The two-way contract forward has used up all 50 of his available games for the Blazers, so the franchise would have to cut somebody and convert Cissoko to a standard contract if they want him to suit up again this season.
* ”Of course, \[general manager Joe Cronin and I\] talk about it,” Splitter said. “Sidy did a great job and is a great player for us. Now it’s up to Joe and the front office to make a decision there, and we’ll see.”
* Avdija said the team is ready to go for the stretch run:
* “Our spirits are up. We’re in a good spot in the standings, and our confidence is really good right now. … The same chemistry is there. Everybody is happy for each other, and we just want to finish \[the last 26 games\].”
* Clingan said keys for the rest of the season include guarding better, defensive rebounding and limiting turnovers.
The Blazers resume the regular season with a matchup against the Nuggets on Friday at the Moda Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Pacific.
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