Sore elbow sidelines Hawks’ Paul Millsap
Paul Millsap did not travel to Miami and missed Tuesday’s game against the Heat because of elbow tendinitis. The forward is listed as day-to-day, and his status for Wednesday’s home game against the Pistons is unclear.
“It’s just been bothering him,” Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer said. “It’s been something that has been a problem, so hopefully a couple days of rest (will help). If we can try and get ahead of it instead of chasing it, that is what we are hoping.”
The forward has been bothered by a sore right elbow, left Achilles and left thumb.
Budenholzer said only “we’ll decide tomorrow” when asked if a couple days of rest meant Millsap would in fact miss Wednesday’s game.
With Millsap out, the Hawks started Gustavo Ayon at center against the Heat. It was the second start, and third appearance, for Ayon since he returned from a right shoulder injury suffered in the preseason.
Williams to play against Pistons: Lou Williams, who will not play in back-to-back games initially upon his return from a torn right ACL, did not play against the Heat. The veteran guard will be available against the Pistons. The Hawks also have back-to-back games Friday and Saturday, at the Pistons and home against the Celtics.
Smith returns: Wednesday's game against the Pistons will be the return of longtime Hawks player Josh Smith, his first game at Philips Arena as a visitor.
The local product spent all nine seasons in with the Hawks after being a first-round draft pick out of high school. He became an unrestricted free agent this summer and signed a four-year, $56 million deal with the Pistons.
“I’m sure it will be emotional for him coming back, and it’s so soon in the season,” said Williams, a longtime friend of Smith. “It’s still relatively fresh from him leaving. I’m sure it will be a fun atmosphere. Everybody will be amped up to play against each other.
“Our relationship is personal. Business is business. We really didn’t talk about whether he was leaving or not. The message was just do whatever fits you and your family. I understood he wanted a fresh start. He’s been in Atlanta, God knows how long, playing basketball. He wanted a fresh start, and I supported his decision because at the end of the day it was my friend before everything.”
Horford spent his first six seasons with Smith as a teammate.
“It’s definitely different,” Horford said. “It was already weird not having him here throughout training camp and everything. I know he is trying to move on, and we trying to do the same.”
About the Author
Chris Vivlamore is the sports editor at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He has served as reporter and editor at the AJC since 2003.
