LeBron James returned to the Miami Heat lineup in time to face the Atlanta Hawks. However, the Heat are not entirely healthy, Chris Bosh will sit this one out with an ankle injury.
James didn't participate in the morning shootaround, but was in the starting lineup 30 minutes before game time. He will matchup with Josh Smith. Miami is looking to snap a three-game losing streak. They have been without James for two of those games.
Atlanta will go with its big lineup against the Heat, starting Mike Bibby and Joe Johnson at the guards, Smith at small forward, Al Horford at the power forward and Jason Collins at center. Miami counters with Carlos Aroyo and Dwyane Wade at guard, James at small forward and Zydrunas Ilgauskas at center. Joel Anthony started for Bosh at power forward.
The start of this one was briefly delayed after the Hawks complained about the basket support around the basket they were shooting at in the first half. Technicians at AmericanAirlines Arena made the necessary adjustments and the game tipped off shortly after 7:40 p.m. Eastern.
Atlanta holds an early 5-2 lead with 8:45 left in the first quarter.