Hawks rookie Lamar Patterson will return to the NBA Development League Sunday. The guard/forward will at least finish the playoff series with the Austin Spurs that began last week.

The Hawks recalled Patterson from the D-League as insurance on Friday after Tim Hardaway Jr. suffered a groin injury. Patterson will rejoin the Austin Spurs for their Western Conference finals series against the Los Angeles D-Fenders. Game 2 of the best-of-three series is Sunday night at 8:30 p.m. (ET). Game 3, if necessary, is Monday night at 9:30 (ET). The Los Angeles D-Fenders lead the series, 1-0.

The Hawks continue their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series against the Celtics on Tuesday. Patterson was active but did not play in the Hawks’ 102-101 victory Saturday. The Hawks have not yet decided if they will bring back Patterson should the Austin Spurs advance to the D-League championship series. Hawks rookie center Edy Tavares is also on assignment with the Austin Spurs.

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