Hawes expected to start Wednesday

Center Spencer Hawes took part in a full practice Tuesday and is expected to return to the starting lineup Wednesday night when the Sixers visit the Indiana Pacers.

Hawes has missed the last 17 games with an Achilles' injury and has played in only a total of 14 games this season.

"I felt good," Hawes told reporters after practice. "I've been waiting for a while to get back out there with my teammates. This is huge for me."

He will play only limited minutes. Coach Doug Collins has previously said that Hawes would not play more than 5 minutes per quarter. He also will not play in back-to-back games, meaning the Sixers will need to decide whether he plays Friday at home against Miami or Saturday in Chicago.

"It looks like he picked up right where he left off," Collins told reporters after practice. "He's ball-friendly, and for a big guy, he can really help space the floor for us. I want to get him right back in the mix."

The Pacers have lost four in a row entering their game tonight against Portland.