The Big Man Returns: Robin Lopez Will Play In Game 1 Against Lakers

Apparently, a week off did wonders for injured Suns center Robin Lopez. Lopez, who has missed over six weeks with a bulging disk, will return to the lineup against the Suns, according to Paul Coro of the Arizona Republic.

The Suns will need Lopez in this series to deal with the Lakers’ size.

So much for Robin Lopez returning from injury right away. According to Seth Pollack from SB Nation’s Suns blog Bright Side of the Sun, Lopez told the media at shootaround that he will not play in Game 1 against the Spurs on Monday night.

There appeared to be a chance Lopez would return for the start of the series after he went through a full scrimmage in Sunday’s practice, but Lopez is clearly still not 100 percent.

As recently as a couple days ago, it appeared the Phoenix Suns would have to take on nemesis San Antonio without starting center Robin Lopez, who has been out for five weeks with a bulging disk. But now, there’s a chance that Lopez could be back as soon as Game 1.

Lopez went through a full court scrimmage in practice on Sunday and coach Alvin Gentry said he could see some action in Monday’s Game 1, according to Paul Coro of the Arizona Republic.

After reports just yesterday that Suns Center Robin Lopez would be unavailable for the 2nd round series with the Spurs, just today Robin himself reverses course.

Following his first full practice since being sidelined with a bulging disk in his back in late March Lopez told SB Nation’s Phoenix Suns blog Bright Side of the Sun this about his status:

Here’s an immediate reaction from Bright Side of the Sun:

Stay tuned to this StoryStream for further developments.