The Hawks will be without starter Kent Bazemore for the next two games as the guard/forward deals with right knee soreness.
Tim Hardaway Jr. will start in place of Bazemore for Wednesday’s home game against the Heat and Friday’s road game against the Bucks. The injury concern is the second change to the Hawks starting lineup in as many games. Thabo Sefolosha replaced Kyle Korver beginning with Monday’s game against the Thunder. That move is considered long-term by Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer.
“You figure out who you are going to put in Kent Bazemore’s spot and continue to deal with the puzzle,” Budenholzer said of dealing with another change, even if temporary, to the starting lineup. “Big picture, we like the idea of Kyle coming off the bench and how he can positively impact the game. I’d like to stick with that. Timmy has been playing well and give Timmy an opportunity.
“Miami has numerous, numerous injuries. If we shouldn’t be complaining.”
The Heat’s injury report lists Chris Bosh, James Johnson, Dion Waiters and Justise Winslow as out and Luke Babbitt and Josh Richardson as questionable.
Bazemore was not made available to the media for the second straight day. He did not practice with the team Tuesday in order to receive extra treatment.
In a statement released by the team later in the day, it was revealed that Bazemore had an MRI exam on his right knee on Wednesday. The exam revealed no structural damage.
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