After a 4-game absence, it appears that the Atlanta Hawks will have sharpshooting wing Kyle Korver available when they take on the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night.
Kyle Korver says he expects to play tonight. #ATLHawks
— Chris Vivlamore (@CVivlamoreAJC) December 4, 2013
Korver has been sidelined with what’s been called a rib contusion, and his return to the lineup would be fantastic for the shooting-starved Hawks. For a bit of “equal reporting”, however, Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer fell just short of declaring Korver ready to go for Wednesday’s game.
Mike Budenholzer said Kyle Korver 'probably' will play tonight. Will have to wait until pregame for definite word. #ATLHawks
— Chris Vivlamore (@CVivlamoreAJC) December 4, 2013
For me, that sounds like a coach who is just trying to remain a bit coy in lowering expectations, but we should be clear that Korver isn’t 100% to play in the game. The major headline for his return (aside from the obvious boost to the Hawks) is that if he plays, Korver will be attempting to tie Dana Barros for the all-time NBA mark for consecutive games with a 3-pointer made at 89 straight.
This pursuit has been on hold for a good deal of time, and I also believe that the Hawks won’t put him out there if he isn’t a “full go” to go after the record. Stay tuned.