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. Â
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.
[Subscribe to the Talkin' Blazers Podcast]
 There is still no official timeline or return date for either player.Â
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:Â Â
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.Â