Cavs' Thompson expected to return vs. Hawks on Tuesday

One of the stronger rebounders and interior defenders on the Cleveland Cavaliers will soon be back in the fold.

The Cavs are planning for big man Tristan Thompson to play Tuesday at Quicken Loans Arena when the Atlanta Hawks come to town, head coach Tyronn Lue said Monday, according to The Associated Press' Tom Withers.

Thompson hasn't played since Nov. 1. He was initially ruled out for three-to-four weeks after being diagnosed with a strained left calf following a non-contact play against the Indiana Pacers.

"Who said that was a real timetable? They told you guys three-to-four weeks. That was never the case," Thompson said, adding that he was on crutches the first week and would never have been able to return so quickly.

Thompson had started all five games prior to his injury. At least for the time being, however, he'll now come off the bench, according to The Athletic's Jason Lloyd.

Cleveland has been going small in his absence, utilizing a frontcourt combination of LeBron James, Jae Crowder, and 6-foot-10 Kevin Love at the five-spot to stretch the floor.

Thompson is averaging 4.4 points and 6.4 rebounds on 57.7 percent shooting through eight appearances for the 19-8 Cavaliers.