Brook Lopez Returning to Milwaukee Bucks Lineup Against Utah Jazz After Recovering from Back Surgery

Brook Lopez is getting back in the game…

The 33-year-old Cuban-American professional basketball player and Milwaukee Bucks center who has been out with a back injury since opening night, will make his return to the lineup against the Utah Jazz on Monday night, the team announced.

Brook LopezLopez’s return fortifies the Bucks’ front line as the franchise prepares for the Eastern Conference playoffs and the chance to defend their NBA championship.

Lopez had back surgery on December 2, and had been rehabilitating the injury until he was cleared to return to full contact in practice a week ago.

The Bucks are outside of the league’s top 10 in defensive efficiency for the first time in coach Mike Budenholzer‘s tenure, and part of the reason is that they’ve been playing without Lopez’s rebounding and rim protection.

Milwaukee is 42-26 and second in the Eastern Conference behind the Miami Heat. Lopez was third in the NBA a year ago with 163 defensive box-outs, according to ESPN Stats & Information research.

He also ranked second in field goal percentage allowed at the rim among 72 players to defend 200 shots, according to ESPN Stats & Information. Only the Golden State WarriorsDraymond Green (47.3%) rated better than Lopez (49.3%).

Lopez averaged 12.3 points, five rebounds and 1.5 blocks a year ago.

Anthony Named to USA Basketball’s Team for 2016 Olympic Games

It’s official… Carmelo Anthony is headed to his fourth Olympics.

USA Basketball‘s 12-man roster has been announced for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, with the 32-year-old half-Puerto Rican basketball star making the grade.

Carmelo Anthony

While a few of the game’s best won’t be in action this summer, plenty of superstar talent will make the trip in head coach Mike Krzyzewski‘s push for a third and final Olympic gold medal.

The New York Knicks star is the only Latino player named to the team.

Here’s a look at the players who will be donning the red, white and blue.

Carmelo Anthony
Team: New York Knicks
Position: Forward
Age: 32
Olympics appearance: 4th
Team USA experience: Olympics (2012-Gold, 2008-Gold, 2004-Bronze); FIBA World Championship (2006-Bronze), FIBA Americas (2007-Gold); Named a member of the 2014-16 USA Men’s National Team on Jan. 23, 2014.

Kevin Durant
Team: Oklahoma City Thunder
Position: Forward
Age: 27
Olympics appearance: 2nd
Team USA experience: Olympics (2012-Gold), FIBA World Championship (2010-Gold); Named a member of the 2014-16 USA Men’s National Team on Jan. 23, 2014.

Paul George
Team: Indiana Pacers
Position: Forward
Age: 26
Olympics appearance: 1st
Team USA experience: Named a member of the 2014-16 USA Men’s National Team on Jan. 23, 2014 (injured leg during scrimmage ahead of 2014 FIBA World Cup)

Draymond Green
Team: Golden State Warriors
Position: Forward
Age: 26
Olympics appearance: 1st
Team USA experience: Named to the 2015-16 USA Basketball National Team on Aug. 6, 2015.

Klay Thompson
Team: Golden State Warriors
Position: Guard
Age: 26
Olympics appearance: 1st
Team USA experience: FIBA World Cup (2014-Gold); FIBA U19 World Championship (2009-Gold); Named a member of the 2014-16 USA Men’s National Team on Jan. 23, 2014.

Kyrie Irving
Team: Cleveland Cavaliers
Position: Guard
Age: 24
Olympics appearance: 1st
Team USA experience: FIBA World Cup (2014-Gold); FIBA Americas U18 Championship (2010-Gold); Named a member of the 2014-16 USA Men’s National Team on Jan. 23, 2014.

Jimmy Butler
Team: Chicago Bulls
Position: Guard
Age: 26
Olympics appearance: 1st
Team USA experience: Named to the 2015-16 USA Basketball National Team on Aug. 6, 2015.

DeMarcus Cousins
Team: Sacramento Kings
Position: Center
Age: 25
Olympics appearance: 1st
Team USA experience: FIBA World Cup (2014-Gold); Named a member of the 2014-16 USA Men’s National Team on Jan. 23, 2014.

DeAndre Jordan
Team: Los Angeles Clippers
Position: Center
Age: 27
Olympics appearance: 1st
Team USA experience: FIBA U19 World Championship (2007-Silver); Named to the 2015-16 USA Basketball National Team on Aug. 6, 2015.

Kyle Lowry
Team: Toronto Raptors
Position: Guard
Age: 30
Olympics appearance: 1st
Team USA experience: None

DeMar DeRozan
Team: Toronto Raptors
Position: Guard
Age: 26
Olympics appearance: 1st
Team USA experience: FIBA World Cup (2014-Gold); Named a member of the 2014-16 USA Men’s National Team on July 14, 2014.

Harrison Barnes
Team: Golden State Warriors
Position: Forward
Age: 24
Olympics appearance: 1st
Team USA experience: Named to the 2015-16 USA Basketball National Team on Aug. 6, 2015.