AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (AP) — Atlanta guard Joe Johnson is back in the lineup after missing four games because of left knee tendinitis.
Johnson returned for Friday night’s game against the Detroit Pistons. He’s averaging 17.6 points per game to lead the Hawks.
Atlanta played well in Johnson’s absence, beating Milwaukee, Oklahoma City and Indiana before losing 89-86 at Miami on Wednesday.
Detroit’s Charlie Villanueva is active Friday, but it was unclear if he would play. Villanueva hasn’t played since Jan. 4 because of a right ankle problem.
