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Brook Lopez will come off the bench for the second straight game Friday versus Boston, Rod Boone of Newsday reports.

Lopez will come off the bench for the second straight game Friday versus Boston, Rod Boone of Newsday reports.

Analysis:

Lopez returned from an eight-game absence Tuesday and played only eight minutes off the bench, while Mason Plumlee started at center. While coach Lionel Hollins has openly maligned Lopez for his defensive efforts this season, it's unclear whether the decision to bring him off the bench is performance-related, or rather just a means of bringing him along slowly following a back injury. Either way, Lopez's minutes are something to monitor closely, as his value could take a significant dive if Plumlee emerges as the solidified starter.

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