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Brooklyn Nets' center Brook Lopez is listed as probable for tonight's game against the Detroit Pistons. Devin Kharpertian of The Brooklyn Game reports that if Lopez does return on Friday night, it will likely be in a limited capacity. Coach Avery Johnson said that Lopez will not play more than 24 minutes in his first game back.
Lopez has missed seven games with a sprained right foot that he suffered on Nov. 28 against the Boston Celtics. Since then, Brooklyn is just 2-5. While Andray Blatche has filled in well, the Nets will be eager to get their starting center back.
The Nets have struggled without Lopez on both sides of the court. He remains their leading scorer (18.5 PPG) and their third-best rebounder (6.8 RPG). Lopez's absence has also showed on defense. In their seven games without him, the Nets have allowed 99.9 points per game. Prior to the injury, Brooklyn was averaging 90.8 points allowed per game.