Hawks' Dwight Howard: Ruled out Monday

Howard (back) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Timberwolves.

Analysis:

Howard made the trip with the Hawks to Minnesota, but he's still experiencing discomfort with his back and will be forced out of a fourth straight game. The fact that he's traveling with the team suggests that a return may be forthcoming, but until Howard is cleared to play again, the team could lean more heavily on Paul Millsap, Mike Muscala and Kris Humphries in the frontcourt.