The Hawks organization and fan base can breathe a sigh of relief.
The shoulder injury to Paul Millsap is not serious and the All-Star forward will not miss significant time. With six games remaining in the regular-season and the playoffs less than two weeks away, the Hawks could not afford to lose their leading scorer and rebounder.
Millsap suffered a right shoulder contusion and mild sprain during Saturday’s game against the Nets. He will miss the next two games – versus the Suns Tuesday and at the Nets Wednesday – and will be re-evaluated. X-rays were negative and an MRI exam revealed the sprain.
“When someone has an MRI or gets banged like that you are worried something more might be revealed,” Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer said. “We are pleased.”
Millsap was injured with 1:52 remaining in the second quarter against the Nets. He collided with Earl Clark at center court chasing a loose ball. Millsap left the game holding his shoulder but remained on the bench until finally heading to the locker room in the final seconds of the half and did not return.
Millsap told trainers he was all right immediately after the injury. The Hawks were leading by 30 points when he left the game for good.
“It will give some of our other guys an opportunity to play,” center Al Horford said. “The good thing for us, at least, is we already clinched the No. 1 spot (in the Eastern Conference). The priority is to get Paul healthy. There is no need for him to play through pain. That is the mentality. That he comes back and is ready to go.”
Millsap was at Philips Arena Monday but did not take part in practice. Budenholzer would not say who will start in Millsap’s place.
Millsap leads the Hawks with 16.8 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. He has scored in double-figures a team-leading 66 times, including 21 20-point games.
The Hawks got more good news on the injury front as point guard Dennis Schroder went through a full practice and is probable to play against the Suns. The reserve point guard missed the past two games with a left toe sprain.
“We’ll see how he got through today and re-evaluate but we are hopeful that he will be able to get some minutes (Tuesday) night,” Budenholzer said.
Austin Daye missed practice with an illness but is expected back Tuesday.
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