San Antonio Spurs big man LaMarcus Aldridge will play on Saturday against the Charlotte Hornets after missing the previous two games.

Aldridge was dealing with a right thumb injury.

The Spurs are 21-26 on the season and are in 10th place in the Western Conference standings.

In 43 games this season for the Spurs, Aldridge is averaging 19.1 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists. The seven-time All-Star is also shooting 51.0 percent from the field, 42.9 percent from beyond the arc and 84.5 percent from the free-throw line.

In a rugged Western Conference, San Antonio has done a nice job of staying alive in the playoff hunt. If the Spurs do keep Aldridge and shooting guard DeMar DeRozan, they have a chance to make the playoffs for the 23rd consecutive season.

However, it's worth noting the Spurs view the Miami Heat as potential trade partners if they decide to move Aldridge or DeRozan before the February trade deadline. As of now, San Antonio has not decided what they are going to do with their two stars and most valuable assets.

The Heat told star small forward Jimmy Butler this past summer they will be aggressive in trying to land another star in the future. DeRozan has a $27.7 million player option for next season, while Aldridge is due $24 million in 2020-21.