Kirk Hinrich suffered a strained hamstring in the Atlanta Hawks' clinching Game 6 against the Orlando Magic on Thursday, and the Hawks announced on Friday that because of the injury Hinrich is listed as doubtful for the team's entire series against the Chicago Bulls, which begins Monday.
Kirk Hinrich Injury Rules Hawks Guard Doubtful For Bulls Series
Hinrich figured to come in rather handy defending Derrick Rose, the presumptive MVP and the biggest factor in Chicago's otherwise average offense. Without the veteran (and formerly a longtime Bull), Atlanta coach Larry Drew will have to decide whether to thrust Jeff Teague into the starting lineup -- he played nine minutes in the first round -- or start super-sub Jamal Crawford next to Joe Johnson, with Teague filling in off the bench. The Hawks have limited guard options beyond those three.
Marvin Williams could also fill in at shooting guard, preserving Crawford's reserve status without putting too much pressure on Teague. It's a difficult conundrum to start what was already a difficult challenge.
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