Detroit Pistons guard Rodney Stuckey returned to practice on Thursday and is expected to play against the Atlanta Hawks on Friday barring any setbacks. Stuckey injured his ankle on Dec. 26 in an overtime loss to the Hawks and has missed the Pistons' last three games.

Stuckey averages 12.1 points, 4.6 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game for the Pistons on the season, but improved his play recently. In the month of December, Stuckey averaged 15.1 points and 6.1 assists per game and improved his shooting percentages greatly.

The Pistons have won three straight games with Stuckey out of the lineup, so they won't rush him back until he is ready. Still, the guard is expected to play if the ankle holds up overnight without swelling after his first full practice back with the team.

Detroit hosts the Hawks at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday night as they go for their fourth consecutive win.