The Atlanta Hawks have some harm considerations going into their first spherical playoff matchup in opposition to the Miami Warmth. Clint Capela might be out for the primary few video games because of the hyperextension of his knee suffered within the second play-in recreation in opposition to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The affect that this may very well be considerably alleviated by the doable return of John Collins who has been upgraded to questionable. Whereas the Hawks are struggling a bit of within the huge man division, the Warmth have a lot of harm considerations of their very own.
In what can solely be thought-about excellent news for the Warmth, their star heart Bam Adebayo is coming back from Covid-19 protocols for the primary recreation. Adebayo provides such versatility to the Warmth defensively and takes the strain off the remainder of the crew on offense.
The Atlanta Hawks should be cautious of a wounded Miami Warmth
The Warmth have 5 gamers who’re on their harm record regardless of not taking part in for the reason that common season ended. Whereas not one of the gamers listed as stars, a few of them are key rotation items who’ve the power to make an enormous distinction for this crew.
Of the 5 gamers, solely Gabe Vincent is listed as possible. He has a proper toe contusion and can most probably go well with up for the Warmth. Haywood Highsmith is the one identify on the record the place it does probably not matter if he fits up. He has performed 19 video games and averaged 2.3 factors and 1.4 rebounds per recreation this season.
Nonetheless, the opposite gamers listed can have an incredible affect on a recreation. Dewayne Dedmon and Markieff Morris are stable huge males who assist Adebayo by offering physicality and stable huge man manufacturing when the star is resting on the bench.
Nonetheless, the largest potential out is P.J. Tucker who’s questionable on account of a calf pressure. If he can not play then the Warmth are lacking a gritty defender who could make life tough for opposition wings after which hits the nook 3-ball like few others can on the different finish.
If these gamers are out then the celebrities of the crew will go deeper into the nicely, stepping as much as play huge video games. Whereas this will tire them out it could additionally imply that they assist the crew shortly out of the blocks, forcing the Hawks to play catch up basketball which isn’t one thing you need to do in playoff basketball.