Mike Budenholzer indicated that DeMarre Carroll remains a game-time decision for tonight's game against the Charlotte Bobcats. Budenholzer said that the team would see how Carroll warmed up before making a final decision. If Carroll is unable to go then Lou Williams will get the start. Rumor going around the media room that Carroll is most likely to play.
On losing Al Horford, Budenholzer said that they would lean on all of their bigs to replace him and called Elton Brand, Gustavo Ayon and Pero Antic all by name. Brand is getting the start tonight against the Bobcats but that could be a fluid situation going forward.
Budenholzer was complimentary of Charlotte's defense saying that they have been one of the best in the NBA all season long.
Bobcats coach Steve Clifford was also very complimentary of the Hawks saying that they had clearly established themselves as the third best team in the Eastern Conference. Clifford also said that the loss of Al Horford for the Hawks wouldn't change that much in terms of the Bobcats' game plan. Said it did take the high pick and roll with Jeff Teague out of Atlanta's arsenal which is something they have utilized particularly late in games.
Update
Per the AJC's Chris Vivlamore, DeMarre Carroll is expected to be in the starting lineup for tonight's game against Charlotte.
DeMarre Carroll will play and start for Hawks. #ATLHawks
— Chris Vivlamore (@ajchawks) December 28, 2013