Soaring Down South
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Atlanta Hawks will rely on roster depth vs. the Cavaliers

By George Jeliazkov

ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 27: the Atlanta Hawks are seen before the game against the Denver Nuggets on October 27, 2017 at Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 27: the Atlanta Hawks are seen before the game against the Denver Nuggets on October 27, 2017 at Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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As the Atlanta Hawks injury list continues to grow, some bench players will be asked to step up in a tough road game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday.

As if a 1-8 start wasn’t enough, the Hawks also have a plethora of players listed out and doubtful for the game against the Cavaliers. As per AJC’s Michael Cunningham, those listed as out are: DeAndre’ Bembry, Ersan Ilyasova, Miles Plumlee, and now Mike Muscala. Malcolm Delaney is doubtful, and Dennis Schroder and Marco Belinelli are probable.

Related Story: Atlanta Hawks vs. Houston Rockets: the good, the bad, and the ugly

So, what does this mean for the bench brigade? Well some familiar faces are going to get some unfamiliar playing time and will be asked to go up against the likes of LeBron James, Derrick Rose, Dwyane Wade, Kevin Love, etc.

The first candidate to get some of his first extended playing time will be Luke Babbitt. With the frontcourt injuries mounting up, and his performance against the Rockets in mind, Coach Bud will look to the stretch 4 veteran to fill in.

John Collins will also see more minutes as he might have to split some of Muscala’s time with Babbitt. Last night that allowed him the opportunity to get some invaluable experience as well the chance to record another coveted double-double.

Isaiah Taylor will continue to fill in behind Schroder should Delaney be unready to go and Bembry out indefinitely. We should also hope that Schroder and Belinelli don’t aggravate themselves and can play extended minutes moving forward.

Should Belinelli need to sit though, Tyler Dorsey has shown Coach Bud that he can play and will be eager to get any minutes he can. Argentine ace Nicolas Brussino might also see some extended time depending on just how small of a lineup Budenholzer is willing to put out against one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference.

Next: Atlanta Hawks rookies impress in loss to Rockets

The team traveled to Cleveland today and will be ready to tip off against the 2015-16 NBA champions on Sunday at 3:00pm EST.

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