Trail Blazers' Aldridge to return Wednesday

LaMarcus Aldridge will return from a brief absence from the Portland Trail Blazers' lineup when the team takes on the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday.

The All-Star power forward, who missed Sunday's loss to the Memphis Grizzlies because of a sprained right thumb, told reporters that he will play Wednesday against the Spurs after taking part in non-contact portions of Tuesday's practice.

Aldridge also said that X-rays and an MRI on the thumb came back negative.

Aldridge will now be playing with two injured thumbs, as he's been playing through a torn ligament in his left thumb that will eventually require surgery.

Aldridge is averaging 23.4 points, 10.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.1 blocks for the 36-19 Blazers, who have lost back to back games and now sit fourth in the Western Conference.