Blazers' Lopez will return Tuesday after missing 6 weeks with broken hand
The Portland Trail Blazers have had a rough stretch on the injury front, which has contributed to a recent 2-8 slide that's pulled them back to the middle of the Western Conference playoff field.
But things are about to improve.
Center Robin Lopez, out since Dec. 15 with a fractured right hand, participated in full practice Monday for the first time since undergoing surgery, and will return to the Blazers' lineup on Tuesday, according to head coach Terry Stotts.
The Blazers' frontline has been hit particularly hard this season, with backup center Joel Freeland going down with a shoulder injury shortly after Lopez was lost and power forward LaMarcus Aldridge playing through a torn thumb ligament that was supposed to sideline him for six weeks.
Remarkably, their defense has remained a top-five unit without their nominal top rim protector and has been just as stingy since Lopez's injury as it was before.
It's Portland's offense, surprisingly, that has shown some slippage.
| Blazers | O Rating (rank) | D Rating (rank) | Net Rating (rank) | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Lopez injury | 106 (8) | 99.5 (6) | 6.5 (7) | 19-6 |
| Post-Lopez injury | 103 (14) | 99.9 (6) | 3.1 (8) | 13-10 |
Overall, the Blazers have been 4.6 points per 100 possessions better with Lopez on the floor. Whatever minutes they can get from him as he tries to work his way back into game shape will be welcome.
Most of the NBA's mascots would likely agree.