The Sports ExchangeHawks try to slow down Lillard, McCollum vs. Blazers
The Atlanta Hawks will look for a way to slow down two players who have been troublesome to them -- and do it on short rest.
The Hawks, who lost at Toronto on Friday, will have a rough back-to-back when they host the Portland Trail Blazers (18-16) on Saturday at Philips Arena. Atlanta (9-26) will be tested defensively by Portland guards Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum, who both averaged 24 points in two games against the Hawks last season.
Lillard remains questionable. He has missed the last three games with a strained right hamstring, but is expected to play against the Hawks.
Lillard's replacement in the starting lineup Thursday was Shabazz Napier, who scored 23 points against the Sixers, and has topped 20 in back-to-back games.
Atlanta did get center Dewayne Dedmon back on the active roster Friday, although he did not play. Dedmon has been out since Nov. 25 with a left tibia stress fracture.
"Getting back on the court is a good feeling," Dedmon said. "I've been counting down the days."
Portland and Atlanta split the two-game series last year, with each winning on the other's home court.
There's a decent chance our guys are slightly exhausted tomorrow.
Bob Rathbun finally jinxed Beli at the free throw line, 33 straight streak ended.
