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Thabo Sefolosha Probable to Return Hawks Lineup on Wednesday

By Jonathan Savitske

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Thabo Sefolosha has missed the Atlanta Hawks first two preseason games due to legal proceedings in New York following an altercation with the NYPD last April.

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After being acquitted of misdemeanor charges, it seems that Thabo Sefolosha’s return may be sooner than we expect. Speaking to the Atlanta Journal Constitution’s Chris Vivlamore, Atlanta Hawks Head Coach Mike Budenholzer stated that Thabo Sefolosha will most likely see his first preseason action on Wednesday against the San Antonio Spurs at Philips Arena. 

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"““We’ll see how these next couple of days go but I’d say I am, we are, hopeful that he’ll at least be able to play a few minutes on Wednesday.”"

It’s encouraging to hear the Atlanta Hawks’ head coach voice optimism regarding Thabo Sefolosha’s status. After missing the rest of the 2014-2015 season and the entireity of the Hawks’ postseason run following his leg injury suffered outside a Manhattan night club.

It was uncertain going into the season whether Thabo Sefolosha would be healthy enough to debut at the start of the season. After being cleared to resume basketball activities a couple of weeks ago, it looks like Sefolosha is getting closer to recovering fully.

Vivlamore also reported that Thabo Sefolosha has stated that he still not 100 percent, but is happy to get back to training camp, put his trial behind him, and prepare for the upcoming season. Sefolosha is the Atlanta Hawks’ best defensive player, and his return will no doubt help the team contend again this season.

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In Thabo Sefolosha’s absence so far this preseason, Head Coach Mike Budenholzer has utilized Kent Bazemore at the starting SF position. Tim Hardaway Jr. and Justin Holiday off the bench to man the wing. Off to a 2-0 in the meaningless preseason, the depth of the Atlanta Hawks has mitigated the loss of defense while Sefolosha has been out, but his return will ensure the Atlanta Hawks begin the season at full strength.

The Atlanta Hawks next preseason game in on Wednesday against Budenholzer’s former team, the San Antonio Spurs, and will present an early challenge for the team. With Kyle Korver looking healthy, and Thabo Sefolosha close to a return, the Atlanta Hawks look primed to make waves once again in the Eastern Conference during the 2015-2016 season. Go Hawks! 

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