Cavaliers vs Hawks: Anderson Varejao expected to play

Nothing earth shattering came out of MIke Budenholzer's pregame meeting with the media before Friday's matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Budenholzer talked about the recent struggles of Hawks center Pero Antic who is just 7-25 from the field in his last four games. Coach Bud said that he told Antic to focus on defense and rebounding and all the other things that he can do to help the team and that his offense would likely come back around. Antic has been a key contributor for the Hawks in the wake of Al Horford's injury and Atlanta desperately needs him to get back on track.

Coach Budenholzer also talked about Cleveland's improved play in the pick and roll and credited the additions of Luol Deng and Spencer Hawes. Budenholzer indicated that the additions of Deng and Hawes have helped space the floor for Kyrie Irving, Dion Waiters and Jarrett Jack to attack the paint.

On the injury front, Mike Brown told the media that he expects Cavaliers center Anderson Varejao to play but would check with him again following pregame warmups. Varejao sat out Wednesday's game in Orlando with a shoulder injury.

The Hawks will go with their normal starting lineup of Jeff Teague, Kyle Korver, DeMarre Carroll, Paul Millsap and Pero Antic.