4. Atlanta Limping to the Finish Line
While the Hawks dominated headlines at the beginning of the regular season with their hot start, injuries and rest led to a pedestrian 12-10 record through March and the beginning of April.
Paul Millsap has been struggling with a nagging shoulder injury and Thabo Sefolosha has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a broken ankle. That’s the Hawks best all-around player, and best defender, either out or injured going into the playoffs.
While this may not significantly impact them leading up to a matchup with the Cavs, the loss of Sefolosha has the potential to swing a series in the Cavs’ favor. With Sefolosha out of the lineup, Atlanta went just 17-13, 43-9 when he suited up.
With Sefolosha out, the only remaining defender the Hawks have to match up with a perimeter threat like LeBron is DeMarre Carroll, a strong role player, but one unqualified for a series long defensive assignment against the King.
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