Hawks' Dwight Howard: To miss Friday's game vs. Cavs for rest purposes

Howard (rest) has been ruled out of Friday's game against the Cavs, Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Analysis:

Howard's vacated center position will go to Kris Humphries, who will be tasked with going against a Cavs frontcourt without its starting center, Tristan Thompson (thumb). Along with Howard, fellow Atlanta starters Dennis Schroder (foot) and Paul Millsap (rest) will also be sidelined Friday, giving a makeshift look to Atlanta's first unit. Considering Friday marks the second game of a back-to-back set for the Hawks, however, Howard could return to the fold when the team plays the Cavs again Sunday.