Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez has been listed as questionable to play in Friday night’s game against the Detroit Pistons, the team announced today.
Lopez sprained his ankle in the third quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers Thursday night, falling to the floor while passing out of a double-team. He returned to the game briefly after an initial inspection by trainer Tim Walsh, but left for the locker room shortly after and did not return in the fourth quarter.
Lopez said he felt fine after the game and would gladly make the trip to Detroit, but left the locker room with a noticeable limp.
Lopez is the team’s offensive force; in 15 games this season he’s averaged 20.5 points and 6.0 rebounds in 30.5 minutes per game, shooting 56.8 percent from the field. He’s become a force on the inside with his combination of size, shooting touch, and an increased awareness of double-teams. His player efficiency rating of 27.9 ranks third in the NBA, behind only LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
