Bobcats vs Hawks: Elton Brand to start for injured Al Horford

The Atlanta Hawks will go with Elton Brand in place of the injured Al Horford for tonight's game against the Charlotte Bobcats. Brand will likely draw the defensive assignment against Charlotte's Al Jefferson.

Elton Brand will start for Hawks in place of Al Horford. #ATLHawks

— Chris Vivlamore (@ajchawks) December 28, 2013

Brand is one of the Hawks best interior defenders and slowing down Jefferson will be key for Atlanta against the Bobcats. Brand has appeared in 21 games this season and is averaging 2.9 points and 3.6 rebounds in just over 11 minutes of action. He has not played more than 19 minutes in any game this season.

Jefferson comes into tonight's game averaging 16.7 points and 9.7 rebounds on 45 percent shooting. He is now fully recovered from an ankle injury that hampered him early in the season. Jefferson logged a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds in Friday's loss to the Thunder. He finished with 10 points and seven rebounds in the earlier meeting with Atlanta.