Hawks' Al Horford to see 1st game action Tuesday since December injury

For the first time since Boxing Day, the Atlanta Hawks will have their starting lineup together when they take on the Miami Heat on Tuesday night.

Center Al Horford will be in uniform for the first time since tearing his right pectoral muscle on Dec. 26, a major step forward in his recovery and a sign that he should be ready when the season opens on Oct. 29.

Horford appeared in just 29 games before the injury, leaving the Hawks to find a new offensive identity based on having five floor-spacers on the court at most times. Horford doesn't necessarily fit that style, but make no mistake, his return is a major boon for the Hawks.

In his stead last season, the Hawks started Pero Antic, Elton Brand and Gustavo Ayon; Brand and Mike Muscala have gotten the starting nod in the preseason thus far . Horford is a major upgrade over any of those options, and is a talented enough offensive player that head coach Mike Budenholzer should be able to work him back in seamlessly.

Prior to tearing his pec, Horford averaged 18.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.5 blocks, while shooting 56.7 percent from the floor.