NBA Playoff Schedule 2015: TV Info, Predictions for Cavaliers vs. Hawks Game 2

The Eastern Conference Finals got off to the start many may have expected when the Cleveland Cavaliers stole home-court advantage from the Atlanta Hawks. LeBron James led the way in the 97-89 win with 31 points, eight rebounds and six assists.

The Cavaliers bench also outscored the Hawks reinforcements 28-19, with all 28 of those points coming from J.R. Smith, who made eight of the 12 threes he attempted. Smith was in heat-check mode for the entire second half, and he was a big reason the Cavs were able to keep the Hawks at arm's length.

The Hawks won't have much time to regroup, as Game 2 is Friday night. Here's a look at the TV and stream info for Friday's contest.

Game	Time	TV	Stream
Cleveland Cavaliers at Atlanta Hawks	8:30 p.m. ET	TNT	Watch TNT

The Hawks may be short-handed Friday after DeMarre Carroll left Game 1 with a knee injury. As Kevin Arnovitz of ESPN reported, Carroll was diagnosed with a sprained knee after an MRI and is questionable for Game 2. Arnovitz said sources called the results of Carroll's MRI the "best-case scenario."

In addition, Cavs guard Kyrie Irving only played 27 minutes Wednesday, and Rachel Nichols of TNT reported his knee was also bothering him but that he plans to play in Game 2.

But injuries are a part of the game, and the show must go on with or without Carroll and Irving. Let's have a look at a few predictions heading into Friday's game.

Hawks Will Adjust Defense on LeBron James

The Hawks will have to figure out a different way to guard James lest he tear them up like he did in Game 1. Carroll was supposed to be James' primary defender, but if he is unable to play, they will have to look elsewhere.

After Carroll went out, Paul Millsap took over checking James. He kept picking James up around half court, and James toyed with him and was able to score seemingly at will off the dribble and on the block.

Chris Webber even mentioned during the broadcast that Millsap needed to back off and let James come to him; otherwise, James can blow right by him, which he did for a dunk late in the game that all but sealed it for the Cavs.

The Hawks need to find another way to guard James, whether it be by shading a second defender toward him or letting him dribble freely across half court. With Irving hobbled, James is the team's primary point guard and playmaker, and slowing him down will make it much easier to rein in the Cavs offense.

Hawks Bench Will Close the Gap

As we mentioned, Smith carried the Cavs bench with his 28 points. We can't expect him to be so scorching hot for the entire series, so the Hawks reserves will have an opportunity to give the team a bigger lift than in Game 1.

Kent Bazemore will likely see his minutes increase. He had several hustle plays late in Game 1 that helped the Hawks close a double-digit gap and give them a chance to win. And if he continues to make plays like this, he will get all the minutes he can handle.

If Matthew Dellavedova puts up another goose egg and Smith comes back to earth, the Hawks will be in good shape for Game 2. Based on these first two predictions, it's safe to assume...

Hawks Win

As hard as it is to pick against LeBron, the Hawks will likely come out ready in Game 2. Kyle Korver had a rather quiet nine points in Game 1, so if he channels his inner J.R. Smith, that can swing the game.

Chances are the Hawks will also not shoot 4-of-23 from three as a team again, so a couple more made shots can make all of the difference. Look for the Hawks to protect their home court and even the series as it heads to Cleveland.

What do you expect to happen in Game 2? Sound off in the comments below or tell Justin on Twitter @JustinNeuman10