Al Horford out against Raptors with sore shoulder

Al Horford will sit out Tuesday's matchup against the Toronto Raptors with a sore shoulder. Johan Petro will start in Horford's place and Larry Drew indicated that Ivan Johnson would likely get back up center minutes.

Al Horford (shoulder soreness) and DeShawn Stevenson are out tonight. Petro, Smith, Korver, Harris and Teague will start. #ATLHawks

— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) April 16, 2013

Horford is still currently scheduled to travel with the team to New York and could return to the lineup on Wednesday in the season finale against the Knicks. DeShawn Stevenson also will not play against the Raptors in the first game of the back-to-back but will likely be available against the Knicks.

Drew had already previously stated the desire to get some of his regulars some rest and anything that could be classified as nagging is enough of an excuse in this case. The goal from here on out is to keep the players sharp while also keeping them fresh as they head into the playoffs.