Trail Blazers' Evan Turner: Could be back March 15

Turner (hand) is expected to return to the court no earlier than March 15 against the Spurs, Joe Freeman of The Oregonian reports.

Analysis:

Turner, who suffered a broken right hand back on Feb. 8, was given a five-to-six-week timetable for his recovery, and it appears that projection still holds for the swingman. He had his cast removed from the hand Friday, but will presumably need at least another week to regain full mobility of the hand before he's able to take part in full-contact drills during practices. The 28-year-old had been starting at small forward prior to suffering the injury, but with Maurice Harkless thriving as his replacement and averaging 13.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, 1.2 three-pointers, 1.2 assists and 1.2 steals over the last five contests, Turner may have to settle for a bench role upon returning.