Jusuf Nurkic (calf) returning to Trail Blazers vs. Celtics

After being sidelined since February 1 with a strained left calf, Jusuf Nurkic is expected to play in Wednesday’s road match-up with the Boston Celtics.

Portland head coach Chauncey Billups said Nurkic will start against Boston, albeit on a minutes restriction.

The veteran center played 45 games before injuring his calf, averaging 13.8 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.9 assists in that space. He will return with his squad in the middle of a tight playoff race. Portland is currently in a three-way tie for 10th place in the West at 31-34.

Nurkic was reportedly made available prior to the trade deadline, but his contract made it difficult for the Blazers to find any takers. The 28-year-old has three fully guaranteed seasons remaining at $54.375M.

As for two other notable injuries in Portland, Anfernee Simons and Justise Winslow, who are both recovering from sprained ankles, continue to be listed as out on the Blazers’ latest injury report. Simons will miss his fourth straight game tonight, while Winslow hasn’t played since December 21.