Paul Millsap Injury: Updates on Hawks Star's Shoulder and Return

Joseph ZuckerApr 4, 2015

The Atlanta Hawks have sat atop the Eastern Conference for a large portion of the 2014-15 season, with many arguing they're the favorites to represent the East in the NBA Finals. A big reason for their success has been the performance of Paul Millsap.

The 30-year-old power forward injured his shoulder against the Brooklyn Nets on April 4 but will return to the lineup in the regular-season finale against Chicago.

Continue for updates.

Millsap to Return vs. Chicago

Wednesday, April 15

Chris Vivlamore of The Atlanta Journal Constitution reported that Millsap will return to play against Chicago in the night's regular-season finale.

On April 14, Vivlamore reported that Millsap returned to practice but acknowledged his status is still "undetermined." Vivlamore provided comments from Millsap:

"
I feel OK and we’ll see how it goes tomorrow. Right now I was able to shoot, move around, run but tomorrow may change. … It’s still a little tender in areas. We have to look at the bigger picture. I’d like to be out there with my teammates but I need to be as healthy as I can.
"

On April 13, Millsap was out against the New York Knicks, marking the fourth game in a row he missed due to injury.

With the No. 1 seed in the East already locked up, the Hawks have no incentive to rush Millsap back from this injury. The two-time All-Star is averaging 16.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.8 steals per game this season, making him a critical cog for Atlanta's title aspirations.

The Hawks can't catch the Golden State Warriors for potential home-court advantage in the NBA Finals, so the most important thing for them is to get their leading scorer healthy for the playoffs, specifically the second round and beyond.

They shouldn't have much of a problem dispatching the Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, Indiana Pacers or whoever else grabs the No. 8 spot in the first round. Millsap's absence would only become an issue if he remains sidelined as Atlanta advances deeper into the postseason.