Dec. 26, 2016: Five things learned about the Hawks

Five things we learned about the Hawks Monday:

1. Dwight Howard will return to the court after missing three games due to back tightness. The team also got back Kyle Korver (illness) against the Timberwolves.

2. Tim Hardaway Jr. was a late inactive for the Hawks. The reserve wing warmed up but was not deemed 100 percent from a right groin injury.

3. Had Hardway not been a late inactive, rookie DeAndre Bembry would have been available to play. Fellow rookie Taurean Prince was going to be the inactive player before the late roster adjustment. The move was based on Bembry's performance against the Nuggets Friday.

“He took advantage of his opportunity,” coach Mike Budenholzer said. “He did a lot of things to help us win. His minutes were great. They are both good young players but it’s probably good for Taurean to take a turn as inactive.”

Despite playing in an NBA Development League game on Thursday night, Bembry joined the Hawks Friday. He ended up with career-highs in minutes (19), points (9), field goals (4) and rebounds (4).

4. There will be a little competition for viewership and attendance when the Hawks host the Spurs on Sunday. The game is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. The NFL moved the Falcons-Saints game, the final regular-season game in the Georgia Dome, to 4:25 p.m. It is unlikely the Hawks game will be moved.