The highly anticipated return of Trail Blazers starters CJ McCollum(left midfoot fracture) and Jusuf Nurkic (right wrist fracture) has become a big focus around Portland.

With McCollum cleared to practice right before the All-Star break, he put in the most work on the court that he has done throughout his entire rehab during Friday’s practice in Minneapolis.  

McCollum did some one-on-one work Friday, but Nurkic "was limited" because he is dealing with a "calf that's bothering him," as Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts said Friday.

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 There is still no official timeline or return date for either player. 

Just hours before tip-off on Saturday, Stotts gave the latest update on the two injured starters.

Pregame Saturday, Nurkic got up a few shots:  

As for McCollum, he continues to progress with his on-court work.

“I thought it was a positive workout. I think he felt good about it. He’s a little sore today. But, I think, it’s kind of what you expect after having not played for a while,'' Stotts added.  Portland will also be without Harry Giles (left calf strain) Zach Collins (left ankle stress fracture) when the Blazers take on the T-Wolves.

For Minnesota  Jarrett Culver (left great toe; strain), D'Angelo Russell (left knee; surgery), Jordan McLaughlin (health and safety protocols) and Malik Beasley (league suspension) are out.

The Trail Blazers and Timberwolves tip-off at 5:00 p.m. PST on NBCSNW, the official network of the Portland Trail Blazers.