Atlanta Hawks: Bazemore and Splitter Out vs. Celtics
The Atlanta Hawks will not have the services of Kent Bazemore and Tiago Splitter available on Tuesday when they host the Boston Celtics at Philips Arena.
Kent Bazemore suffered a right ankle injury on November 15th in the fourth quarter of the Hawks game against the Utah Jazz. Bazemore has now missed four consecutive games. In his absence, Head Coach Mike Budenholzer used three different starters: Tiago Splitter, Justin Holiday and Thabo Sefolosha.
Hawks have also ruled Kent Bazemore, in addition to Tiago Splitter, out for Tuesday's game vs. Celtics.
— Chris Vivlamore (@CVivlamoreAJC) November 24, 2015
-= Related: Walter Tavares: Could Rookie Help Improve Hawks Rebounding? =-
Tiago Splitter will also sit out of tonight’s game against Boston, after suffering a hip injury this past Saturday against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Mike Budenholzer used the “big” lineup last Tuesday against Brooklyn, starting Splitter alongside Al Horford and Paul Millsap.
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With Tiago Splitter out of tonight’s game, look for more minutes from Mike Muscala and perhaps even Walter Tavares, who has yet to play any significant minutes thus far this regular season. Splitter’s absence may in fact provide a great opportunity for Tavares to showcase his size and rebounding ability. Mike Muscala’s role has also increased over the past few weeks, and his ability to stretch Boston’s defense is important for the Atlanta Hawks success.
Once again without Kent Bazemore, Budenholzer will either start Thabo Sefolosha or Justin Holiday in his place. Sefolosha had a great game in an otherwise lackluster showing against Cleveland last Saturday, scoring 13 points while securing 5 rebounds. Justin Holiday will play significant minutes regardless. The Atlanta Hawks depth on the wing is key as Bazemore continues to recover from his ankle injury.
Even with Kent Bazemore’s injury, it’s unlikely that Tim Hardaway Jr. will appear in tonight’s game against the Celtics. The third-year guard out of Michigan has yet to play this season; and even with injuries early in the season, Mike Budenholzer has elected not to play him. Of course his lack of defensive prowess is a concern, but at some point Hardaway will get his opportunity with the Atlanta Hawks.
Next: Atlanta Hawks Retire Mutombo's Number vs. Celtics
The Atlanta Hawks will also retire Dikembe Mutombo’s number 55 at half-time to honor the contributions of the venerable Congolese center. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver is also attending Tuesday’s game. The Atlanta Hawks are 5-5 in their last 10 games, after getting out to an 8-1 record to begin the season. With three straight road games after Tuesday against Minnesota, Memphis and San Antonio, it’s imperative the Atlanta Hawks weather the absence of Splitter and Bazemore and get a ‘w’ against the Celtics.