While the Atlanta Hawks still have questions surrounding the health of Kyle Korver (back spasms) and Pero Antic (reported sprain ankle), their opponent for Thursday night, the Portland Trail Blazers, received an injection of life into their active roster earlier in the day.
Team said last night that @aldridge_12 would be a game time decision, but he just said he WILL play tonight vs. Hawks
— Casey Holdahl (@CHold) March 27, 2014
All-Star power forward LaMarcus Aldridge stated that he will play in the game against Atlanta, and it would mark a return from a 7-game absence for the 28-year-old. Aldridge has been one of the best players in the NBA this season, averaging 23.4 points and 11.1 rebounds to lead the team in both categories, and to be honest, this was the biggest fear for any Hawks fan prior to tip-off.
There could be a decent amount of rust surrounding Aldridge, who hasn't played in a game since March 12th, but even at 80%, he will be a significant threat on the offensive end, and that spells trouble for the possibly shorthanded Hawks.