ATLANTA - The Atlanta Hawks are preparing to be without injured playmaker Kirk Hinrich when their series of second round of the playoffs against the Chicago Bulls starts Monday.
Hinrich underwent a test of MRI Friday on his right leg, which revealed a significant strain of his right thigh. Hinrich is considered doubtful for 1 game in Chicago. He suffered the injury in the fourth quarter of the victory of clinching the series Thursday against Orlando when he landed awkwardly on a drive in the basket.
Hinrich has not returned to the game and was in a wheelchair as players left Philips Arena Thursday night. Hawks coach Larry Drew said Friday that Hinrich was optimistic when the team is gathered for meetings, but Drew is inevitable if focused on the defensive guard would be ready for the match on Monday.
"I saw him when he left the building and its spirits were really good, but it was limp," said Drew. "And this was not a good sign."
The Hawks were Hinrich account to play a crucial role against Chicago, which won two of the three meetings during the regular season between the teams. Hinrich has entrusted the defensive task to try to contain Derrick Rose.
If it is unable to play - or is limited by the injury - Jamal Crawford, Joe Johnson, Damien Wilkins and Jeff Teague said Drew all could devote time to the Rose.
"It certainly change things," said Drew. "He is our leader." If all goes well, he will be able to go. But if it is not the case, we need to make an adjustment. Not knowing truly if Kirk can go or if it cannot go, if he can play some or may not play at all, many of which will change things. ?
Players said Hawks that Hinrich will be useful in the series any how it contributes to the Court in the first few games. Hinrich spent his first seven seasons with the Bulls before last summer to the Washington Wizards, who dealt him to the Hawks in February, he was transferred.
Hinrich averaged 13 points, 5.6 assists and 1.2 steals over eight seasons and is considered one of the top defensive point for the League. Even with a healthy Hinrich, the Hawks expect to have their hands full with Rose, top candidate MVP of the League registered 27.3 points and 6.2 assists in series of first round of Chicago against the Indiana Pacers.
"It is difficult," said Crawford. "Kirk is the head of our defence." He is the guy who makes stuff happen from the beginning. I hope that it is sufficiently healthy to get there. He knows their system. He knows that their players as well as anyone. It can certainly give us an idea. We certainly will come his brain during timeouts and other things. ?
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