Millsap returns from injury as Hawks try to hold onto playoff spot
Paul Millsap is back to try to help salvage the Atlanta Hawks' season.
The 32-year-old power forward has been cleared to play in Sunday's matchup with the Brooklyn Nets, after missing the last eight games due to a knee injury for which he underwent a non-surgical procedure. He'll come off the bench and be on a minutes restriction.
The team has sorely missed its All-Star, dropping six of eight contests without him. The Hawks have been on a downward spiral over the past month, going from having home-court advantage in the postseason to perhaps missing out altogether.
They're clinging onto No. 6 right now, with a two-game lead over three clubs with six regular-season tilts remaining. Suffice to say, they're glad to have their best player - and impending unrestricted free agent - back on the court.
Millsap leads Atlanta with 18.1 points per game to go along with 7.7 boards, 3.8 dimes, 1.3 steals, and a block per game in his fourth campaign with the club.
Ersan Ilyasova is expected to continue starting at the four-spot until Millsap is ready to reclaim it.