Trail Blazers' Evan Turner: Expected to play Saturday vs. Hawks

Turner (hand) is expected to play Saturday against the Hawks, Casey Holdahl of Blazers.com reports.

Analysis:

Turner has been sidelined since Feb. 8 with a fractured right hand, but he's been able to take part in full-contact drills for more than a week and seems to have just about regained full range of motion. He took part in Friday's practice and went through one-on-one drills after the session, so as long as he incurs no setbacks during morning shootaround Saturday, Turner should be back in action later that evening. Since he was able to do cardio work throughout his month-plus absence, Turner isn't expected to be far behind his teammates from a conditioning standpoint, but his playing time still may be restricted a bit as coach Terry Stotts attempts to work the swingman back into the rotation. Maurice Harkless, Allen Crabbe and Shabazz Napier are most at risk of losing out at least some minutes with Turner back in the fold.