CHICAGO -- Hawks coach Larry Drew started Jeff Teague at point guard and switched a couple defensive assignments for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Bulls.
Teague replaced Kirk Hinrich (hamstring) in the lineup for his first career postseason start.
"[With] Jeff's speed, he gives us an opportunity to defend [Derrick] Rose," Drew said before the game.
In the first round against Orlando, the Hawks used a "big" lineup with Jason Collins at center. To begin this series, Drew switched back to his regular frontcourt of Marvin Williams and Josh Smith at forwards and Al Horford at center.
Smith began the game guarding Bulls center Joakim Noah and Horford was on forward Carlos Boozer. Drew said he wanted Horford's size against Boozer.
That left the 6-foot-9 Smith against Noah, who is 6-11.
“It is definitely going to be a mental game, being able to focus on every possession,” Smith said. “This is going to be a game where I can't ‘ball watch' because, first of all, he's taller. He's definitely active. He's one of those people who has a knack for rebounds.”
Boozer was questionable to play with a turf toe injury. He started the game after testing the injury before the game.
“If he's playing, I am sure he will be fine,” Horford said. “I have to contain him as best as I can and make sure I keep him off the boards.”
Hinrich hopeful, helpful
Drew said he's still not counting on Hinrich playing in the series. Hinrich said he's holding out hope, though he still hasn't been able to test the injury.
“You never know,” he said before Game 1.
Hinrich suffered the injury while driving for a basket late in Atlanta's series-clinching victory against Orlando on Thursday night.
“As soon as I went up I felt a pop,” he said. “It started swelling. I didn’t know if it was the hamstring. Initially I was concerned it was my knee.”
Drew said he brought Hinrich along on the trip so he could help scout the Bulls. Hinrich played for Chicago from 2003-04 before he was traded to Washington last summer.
Drew said Hinrich specifically could help Teague in his match-up with Rose.
“If there is something along the course of the game that I think he can help him with, I will try to do that,” Hinrich said. “Right now, I will just leave him alone.”
Etc.
Hawks spokesman Arthur Triche left two tickets for Magic guard Jameer Nelson, who had told Rose he would "catch you in the second round" before the playoffs. ... Before the game the Bulls recognized Tom Thibodeau for winning the league coach of the year award. ... Hawks center Etan Thomas and Magnum Rolle were inactive .
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