Robin Lopez Injury: Updates on Blazers Center's Hand and Return

Robin Lopez remains out of action after breaking his hand on Spurs forward Boris Diaw's head on Dec. 15. He returned against the Jazz on Tuesday.

Continue for updates. 

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Lopez Named Starter vs. Jazz

Tuesday, Feb. 3

Peter Socotch of CSN Northwest reported Lopez would start vs. Utah on Tuesday.

On Thursday, Jan. 22, Casey Holdahl of TrailBlazers.com previously reported that Lopez "might not return before the AS break."

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Lopez Injures Hand vs. Spurs

Monday, Dec. 15

Robin Lopez learned the hard way that Boris Diaw has a hard head.

The Portland Trail Blazers center injured his right hand on Monday night against the San Antonio Spurs. The team announced he won't return:

After the game, Jeff Stotts of Rotowire provided a discouraging update:

Joe Freeman of The Oregonian added more details about the break:

The injury came when Lopez inadvertently hit Diaw in the head while contesting a rebound, per Dane Carbaugh of Sporting News:

Lopez entered the game averaging 9.8 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks a game. He's started all 25 of Portland's games this year.

Although the 26-year-old isn't the most important player on the roster, he does the dirty work down low that allows LaMarcus Aldridge and Damian Lillard to have a lot of freedom on the court.

Lopez's absence will be felt as Portland attempts to remain in the top four of the Western Conference.