Atlanta Hawks forward-center Tiago Splitter has been held out of action since suffering a hip injury on Nov. 21, per Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. However, he has been cleared to return to the court.

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Splitter Active vs. Lakers

Friday, Dec. 4

Mike Conti of 92.9 The Game reported Splitter will play Friday night.

Splitter Return Helps Hawks' Depth 

The 6'11" big man has had problems staying on the court, as he's only played more than 60 games in a season once in the past five years. 

Splitter was brought in to provide depth on the Hawks' bench, as they have Paul Millsap and Al Horford occupying the power forward and center slots. That was Splitter's role for most of his time in San Antonio, as well, and he showed that he could produce when called upon. 

Never averaging more than 25 minutes per game in a season, Splitter put up four consecutive seasons of at least 8.2 points and 4.8 rebounds per game from 2011 to 2014. 

Having him come off the bench in Atlanta ensures that the team will always have a big, physical presence near the basket on either end of the floor that opposing teams will have to take notice of. Brad Rowland of PeachTreeHoops.com discussed what his biggest impact would be:

The biggest impact he will make is on the defensive end. Splitter is an above-average defender by any description, and while he isn't a dominant shot blocker, his flexibility in defending the pick-and-roll while acting as a deterrent on the interior will be a welcomed addition. 

Providing a winning presence to a franchise that is new to the Eastern Conference's elite side would also be a help. Splitter can provide productive minutes in big situations—something Atlanta would relish if it can make another playoff run. 

Stats courtesy of Basketball-Reference.com.