Al Horford injury: Hawks' center expects to play against Spurs

Al Horford sat out Friday's loss to the Brooklyn Nets with a sore hamstring but told Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution after the game that he expects to play on Saturday.

Al Horford told me that a day off helped tremendously. Won't be completely healed but expects to play Saturday vs. Spurs. #ATLHawks

— Chris Vivlamore (@ajchawks) January 19, 2013

Friday was the second game Horford has missed this season. He played in just 11 games last season before suffering a torn pectoral muscle. Horford later returned for the playoffs. He is currently second on the team in scoring at 15.5 per game and is leading the team in rebounding at 9.6 boards.

The Hawks could definitely use him back on Saturday against the Spurs front line. Zaza Pachulia started at center on Friday while Josh Smith returned from a one-game suspension and got the nod at power forward. Johan Petro and Mike Scott both saw extended action on Friday and could get a chance again on Saturday should Larry Drew decide to limit Horford's minutes.