Injuries will be the main headline heading into Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals. That seems to be the main theme of the NBA playoffs in general as several teams have watched big-named stars go down. That is no different in this series. Already without Kevin Love, the Cavaliers have Kyrie Irving listed as a game-time decision while the Atlanta Hawks have potentially lost DeMarre Carroll to a knee injury suffered on Wendesday. The team that can overcome them could get the win in Game 2.
The Hawks are already a game in the hole after falling to the Cavaliers thanks to the sharp shooting of JR Smith. Carroll went down in the fourth quarter with a non-contact injury. It looked bad. The forward had to be carried off the court and into the locker room where he did not return. According to the Hawks, Carroll suffered a hyperextended knee and bone bruise making him a game-time decision. That means the Hawks are without their No. 1 LeBron James defender which is not good for the outlook of the rest of the series. Atlanta will be forced to rely on Paul Millsap and Kent Bazemore if Carroll cannot play.
According to Irving, he will play Game 2 regardless of what is being said. The point guard is dealing with a foot and knee issue which is making him uncertain for the matchup. Irving skipped shootaround on Friday morning drawing his status into question. If Irving is not good to go, the Cavaliers will start Matthew Dellavedova while James handles more of the ball movement.
Irving was not really needed in Game 1 thanks to Smith. He was the only player off the bench to get any points as he went on to score 28 points including going eight from 12 from the 3-point line. That certainly overshadowed the slumping Kyle Korver who only had two 3-point shots to his name while being help to single digits once again. Dennis Schroder also had a forgettable game making just 2 of 10 shots. The Hawks need Schroder and Korver at their best if they intend to win and stay alive in the series. History will certainly not be on their side if they lose both games at home.