Blazers’ Robin Lopez Returns After Hand Fractures

Portland Trail Blazers’ Robin Lopez has returned to the court this week after being out since December 15th with a right hand fractured in two places.

The injury occurred when Lopez accidentally hit his hand on the back of Boris Diaw’s head as Lopez went up for a rebound.

The Blazers have won 13 of the last 23 games without Lopez in the lineup but their defense is 7.7 points per 100 possessions better when he is on the court.

Portland has had to replace Lopez with solid but inferior player Chris Kaman while Lopez healed.