The Atlanta Hawks lose Al Horford for essentially the rest of the 2011-12 season

25-year old starting center Al Horford is going to miss the next 3-4 months due to a torn left pectoral muscle that will require surgery.  Horford has played in 11 games (all starts) for the Hawks this year and he is averaging 31.6 minutes, 12.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.3 blocked shots per game.  The Hawks are holding out hope that he will be able to return to action sometime in the playoffs…..but that could be wishful thinking.  27-year old Zaza Pachulia will replace Horford as the starting center for the rest of the regular season, at least.  Pachulia has played in 11 games (0 starts) for the Hawks so far this year and he is averaging 15.9 minutes, 5.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 0.8 assists per game. Pachulia is not in Horford’s league as a defensive player but he should be able to rebound and give the Hawks a presence offensively around the basket.