Game 1 featured two Eastern Conference foes that created a game of runs and a lot of activity. The Hawks eventually prevailed, but they have some question marks when it comes to overall team health going into tonight’s Game 2 in Atlanta.
Starting Center Al Horford dislocated his pinkie finger in Game 1 and seemed to be doubtful for Game 2, but has since confirmed he will be in the lineup for Wednesday nights game. Another injury of concern is the health of all-star forward Paul Millsap who had a sprained right shoulder. Millsap went 2-11 from the field in Game 1 for 6 points, a rarity for the big man. He will play, but is limited when it comes to his range of motion.
Korver was asked what the health concerns will mean for Wednesday nights matchup,
“It’s definitely a concern,” said guard Kyle Korver, who led Atlanta with 21 points in Sunday’s 99-92 win. “Hopefully, it’s not too big of a deal. But injuries are always something you’re worried about.”
A player to look out for the Hawks is small forward DeMarre Carroll who has averaged 17.2 points against the Nets, while hitting 15 of 27 three-point shots this season. The combination of him, Korver, and Teague will be a nightmare for Brooklyn once again. They are easily capable of carrying the scoring load with injury troubles at the big man positions.
For Brooklyn, they dropped all four meetings against Atlanta in the regular season by an average 17 plus points. Brook Lopez and Thaddeus Young carried the scoring and rebounding load at a combined 52 points and 24 rebounds.
They will be in dire need of stellar three-point shooting from their guards. They were only 25% (5-20) from three and need big games from Joe Johnson and Bojan Bogdanovic as they went a combined (1-11) from three.
When Joe Johnson was asked about their chances in the series he told reporters,
“This is going to be a tough series,” said Johnson, a former Hawks All-Star. “This is one game. We’ve got to put it behind us.”
This should all make for a fun Game 2.
