Trail Blazers' Evan Turner: To rejoin team Thursday, practice Friday

Turner (hand) will rejoin the Trail Blazers on Thursday and resume practicing Friday, Jason Quick of CSNNW reports.

Analysis:

After being given a five-to-six-week timetable for a return after breaking his right hand on Feb. 8, Turner will resume practicing with the Trail Blazers on Friday. In his absence, Maurice Harkless has been holding down the fort, averaging 10.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 1.2 steals across 30.6 minutes per game. It's possible that coach Terry Stotts will keep his current starting five once Turner returns, possibly easing him back into the rotation. That being said, with the playoffs looming, the Trail Blazers would likely want Turner back in the swing of things as soon as possible. His first chance to play will come Saturday against the Hawks.