Paul Millsap missed his fifth consecutive game with a bruised right knee as he was sidelined for Wednesday against the Trail Blazers. However, there are signs that the All-Star forward is nearing a return to the lineup.
Millsap participated in three-on-three contact scrimmages during the Hawks’ off-days following Sunday’s game against the Suns.
“He is getting closer,” Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer said.
Millsap was at the team shootaround Wednesday morning and did shooting work following the practice.
Millsap, who was unavailable to the media, said Sunday that his knee was feeling “a lot better.”
Antic available: Pero Antic, who has missed the past 17 games with a stress fracture in his right ankle, was available against the Trail Blazers. He was not part of the regular rotation. Antic was dressed and available against the Suns, but did not play.
Antic also participated in three-on-three contact drills with Millsap.
“If there is an opportunity to put him in the game, we’ll take advantage of having him available,” Budenholzer said. “He is getting closer to where it is more than just being able to throw it in (on in-bounds plays) at the end of games. I think that he has made it through the last few days without any setbacks. He is probably in a place where if we can use him we have that freedom.”
Muscala debut: Budenholzer said he was impressed with the NBA debut of Mike Muscala. The rookie center had four points and five rebounds in 19 minutes against the Suns.
“I thought he played well,” Budenholzer said. “I was impressed. His activity defensively and on the boards was good. He played with confidence, which is a huge part of making it in this league, to think and believe that you are a player. He stepped right in and was fearless. He has begun the process of earning his teammates respect. That is important in this league.”
About the Author
