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Michigan State's Branden Dawson to return to lineup Saturday

Michigan State forward Branden Dawson (left) is averaging 10.7 points per game this season. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)

Michigan State guard Keith Appling (right) is averaging 15 points a game this season. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)

Michigan State forward Branden Dawson will return to action on Saturday after missing the past nine games with a broken right hand, reports Joe Rexrode of the Detroit Free Press.

Dawson will play with a brace on his hand for Saturday's game against Illinois. He was injured when he slammed his hand on a table in frustration during a film session last month.

Dawson practiced this week on a limited basis and coach Tom Izzo said he expects Dawson to participate in 90 percent of the team's practice Thursday.

Michigan State 22-6 (11-4 Big Ten) went 4-5 without Dawson. Dawson, a junior, is averaging 10.2 points and 8.7 rebounds this season.

"He's gonna play with a little bit of a brace on that doesn't seem like it affects a lot of things, but it still is there," Izzo said of Dawson. "How much I play him, I have no clue. I might know a little more today and tomorrow."

WINN: Michigan State No. 18 in this week's college basketball power rankings

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