Saturday night's game against the New York Knicks already had an injury emphasis for the Atlanta Hawks in that Jeff Teague was considered to be a game-time decision and there was some concern about DeMarre Carroll in the aftermath of a back-to-back situation. However, there was an unexpected announcement from head coach Mike Budenholzer in his pre-game press conference that will weaken the Atlanta lineup.
Unfortunately Paul Millsap is out with a knee contusion.
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) February 22, 2014
Budenholzer's revelation that the team's lone All-Star, Paul Millsap, will miss the game is a critical one. The frontline is already short-handed in the absence of Pero Antic and Gustavo Ayon (in addition to Al Horford), and without Millsap, the prognosis looks bleak against the New York frontcourt. Millsap has been tremendous on both ends for the undermanned Hawks in recent days (and really, all season) and while Budenholzer indicated that more information will be known in the near future, it could be time for a bit of panic.
On the more positive side, Jeff Teague was announced as in the starting lineup (pending warm-ups), and DeMarre Carroll will join him on the second of a back-to-back. The starting lineup will be Teague-Korver-Carroll-Mike Scott-Elton Brand, and there is little in the way of surprise there.
Stay tuned for more updates.