Wizards vs Hawks: Kyle Korver set to play, Tiago Splitter to rest

Mike Budenholzer isn't shy about resting players. That point has been emphasized at the start of the 2015-2016 season, as the Atlanta Hawks have alternated Thabo Sefolosha and Kyle Korver during sets of back-to-back games. However, Saturday night's contest against the Washington Wizards will mark the first time that either player has appeared on consecutive nights, with Korver in the lineup after a flawless night against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday. At the same time, though, Budenholzer announced before the game that big man Tiago Splitter would take the night off for the purpose of rest.

Of the two wing players, it makes sense that Korver would be the one to make the first back-to-back appearance, especially given his original timetable for return. Still, it is undoubtedly encouraging to see the 34-year-old healthy enough to play on back-to-back nights before the calendar even flips to December, and Budenholzer is showing confidence in that recovery.

As for Splitter, this is a spot where the Hawks are simply playing it safe on the fourth game in five nights. Mike Muscala was referred to, by Budenholzer, as the "beneficiary" in terms of minutes in Splitter's absence, and his healthy return makes this move possible. In addition, Edy Tavares will be available as insurance for Saturday's game, with Tim Hardaway Jr. joining Splitter on the inactive list.

Stay tuned.