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Portland Trail Blazers C Jusuf Nurkic put in a full practice on Wednesday, Damian Lillard told reporters. Nurkic has been working his way back from a compound fracture in his left leg suffered last season.
Damian Lillard said Jusuf Nurkic took part in full practice today.
— Jason Quick (@jwquick) January 22, 2020
Nurk said in December he was at about 60%, so we’re getting close to 100%. The target date has been after the All-Star break for a return for Nurkic. The Blazers desperately need Nurkic’s size back in the lineup and his return would help Portland get back into the playoff picture in the West.
Fantasy basketball analysis: Portland Trail Blazers C Hassan Whiteside
When Nurkic is back, how will it impact Hassan Whiteside? Well, it’ll be interesting to see if the Blazers opt to start both Nurk and Whiteside in the front court with Carmelo Anthony at SF. This makes a little bit of sense, but Nurk and Whiteside both play center traditionally and I’m not sure who would work as the PF. It’s not a bad problem to have really. Both players are solid defenders and passers.