The fact that Dwight Howard did not travel with the Hawks to Friday’s game at the Nuggets was not an indication of a setback, according to coach Mike Budenholzer.
In fact, he said, it was the opposite.
The Hawks starting center missed his third straight game with back tightness that he said he first experienced against the Raptors last week.
“I would actually say he’s going in the right direction,” Budenholzer said. “Part of not traveling was hoping we could keep it going in the right direction, probably extra cautious or conservatively aggressive. We are all hopeful he’ll be able to play very soon. We’ll see between now and the 26th.”
The Hawks play at the Timberwolves on Monday and will fly to Minneapolis on Sunday.
Tim Hardaway Jr. also missed the game against the Nuggets as he deals with a right groin injury. Hardaway took part in an optional workout Friday morning before a decision was made.
“I don’t think it’s going to be anything long,” Budenholzer said. “He came over and did a little bit this morning, tested it. Just not able to go. We’ll continue to monitor it.”
Hardaway played just one minute against the Timberwolves Wednesday when he was injured following an alley-oop dunk.
Hardaway said he hoped to be able to play Monday.
“I’m not going to let this hold me back but I’m going to be careful,” Hardaway said.
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