2 min read • January 19, 2022
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On a busy Wednesday slate, there are two marquee matchups –Hawks vs Timberwolves and Bulls vs Cavs – that feature injury mismatches.
Hawks vs Timberwolves
Advantage: Karl-Anthony Towns (and co.)
The Timberwolves won a nail-biter in Madison Square Garden Tuesday night, and bring that momentum into Atlanta against a reeling Hawks squad.
The Wolves moved to 20-14 in games D'Angelo Russell has played this season, and will now have another advantage to exploit: Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards against a diminished Hawks frontcourt.
Here's the damage: Atlanta shipped out Cam Reddish to the Knicks earlier this week, Clint Capela is still out with an ankle sprain, and Bogdan Bogdanovic recently joined him on the sideline as he nurses right knee soreness for the 2nd game in a row.
Bogdanovic suffered an avulsion fracture with soft tissue inflammation to his right knee last January, an injury that kept him out 25 games, although the Hawks have not addressed if this issue is related to the injury.
The Serbian sharpshooter has been a key cog in Atlanta's machine since signing before the 2020-21 season: the Hawks are 52-38 in the regular season and playoffs with him, and 17-26 without him.
Additionally, De'Andre Hunter is still finding his footing in what will be his 5th game back after a 26-game absence while recovering from surgery to repair torn ligaments in his right thumb.
Towns and Edwards can attack this slim defense with impunity.
Bulls vs Cavs
Advantage: Cavs wings
The Bulls recent struggles have been well-documented, but the Cavs have fought through nearly as much this season, from an injury perspective.
After losing both Collin Sexton and Ricky Rubio to season-ending knee injuries, Cleveland dealt with absences to Evan Mobley and wings Isaac Okoro and, now, Lamar Stevens, who will miss the contest with left knee soreness.
They are seemingly through the worst of it, as Okoro returned on Jan. 14 from an elbow sprain just in time to swap spots with Stevens and provide support for standouts Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Lauri Markannen.
The Cavs will face a Bulls team that will certainly be without Patrick Williams, Javonte Green, Derrick Jones Jr., and Lonzo Ball, and likely without Zach Lavine once again.
Alex Caruso is returning from a 13-game sabbatical battling a foot sprain and COVID-19.
The Bulls have lost 4 in a row, and the Cavaliers have won 5 in a row, including 4 on the road.
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