Kirk Hinrich Out For Rest of Series With Bulls

Added on May 10, 2011 by Scott in

NBA

Atlanta Hawks guard Kirk Hinrich says his ailing hamstring is getting better, but that doesn’t mean he’s ready to return to action for the series with Chicago. Hinrich hasn’t played since Atlanta’s Game 6 victory over Orlando in the opening round of the playoffs. Despite the improvement, head coach Larry Drew doesn’t expect Hinrich to play in the remaining games with the Bulls.

Hinrich’s steady play on both ends of the floor was key in disposing the Magic in the first round. He averaged 10.2 points, shot 50% from the field and posted a 4 to 1 assist/turnover ratio.

Without Hinrich to help slow down MVP Derrick Rose, the Hawks chances to knock off the Bulls appeared bleak. However, seldom used backup Jeff Teague has proven to be a surprisingly reliable replacement. Teague is averaging 16.0 points and 3.8 assists in over 41 minutes per game.

Even with Rose netting over 30 points a night, Atlanta has hung tough and tied the series at 2-2 heading into tonight’s crucial Game 5 showdown at the United Center. The Hawks split the first two road games and will need to win one more away from home if they are to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history. The last time they reached a conference finals was the 1969-70 season and it was called the Division Finals, and they were in the West.

In addition to Teague’s contributions, the inside duo of Josh Smith and Al Horford have given the Bulls fits. In the last two games of the series, Smith has scored 40 points and pulled down 29 rebounds, while Horford has netted 30 points and pulled down 13 boards.

The key to Atlanta’s upset hopes may lie with shooting guard Joe Johnson. In two wins, Johnson has dropped 58 total points and nailed eight three-pointers. By contrast, in two losses, he has scored 26 points and hit only two shits from beyond the arc.

Game 5 tips tonight at 8pm followed by a Thursday trip back to Atlanta for Game 6.

Source: ESPN.com