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GameDay Preview: Game 2 at Atlanta Hawks

Game Summary

The Cavaliers continue the Eastern Conference Finals in Atlanta tonight for Game 2 against the Hawks at Philips Arena. Tipoff is at 8:30 p.m. ET.

In Game 1, Cleveland held the Hawks to 89 points on .442 shooting from the field, including just 38 points on 12-39 (.308) shooting in the second half. The Cavs also limited the Hawks to 4-23 (.174) shooting from the three-point line. The Wine and Gold currently have the best defensive numbers among all teams left in the postseason, leading the way in opponent points
per game (92.3), opponent field goal percentage (.411), opponent three-point percentage (.292) and blocks per game (7.3).

The Cavs outrebounded the Hawks 49-37 in Game 1, improving to a perfect 9-0 this postseason when the team ties or outrebound its opponent. The +12 advantage on the glass was tied for Cleveland’s 2nd biggest rebound margin so far in the playoffs.

Timofey Mozgov

Where to Watch:

Tune into the NBA on TNT.

WTAM 1100, 87.7 FM La Mega

What's going to make the difference?

Learn more about tonight’s matchup.

Get into the conversation with other die-hards.

Atlanta received good news when a MRI showed a sprain but no structural damage in DeMarre Carroll's left knee. He listed as questionable for Game 2.

The forward is Atlanta's top perimeter defender and has led a balanced scoring attack as six players are averaging double-digits throughout the playoffs.

Probable Starters/Status Update*presented by Cleveland Clinic

Cleveland Clinic

Status Update: Anderson Varejao, (Left Achilles Tendon Rupture, Out), Kevin Love, (Left Shoulder Dislocation, Out), Kyrie Irving, (Left Knee Tendinitis, Questionable)

Status Update: (Hawks) - Thabo Sefolosha, (Right Calf Strain, Out), DeMarre Carroll, (Left Knee Sprain, Questionable)

Series Notables

J.R. Smith set a franchise playoff record for three-pointers in a game after going 8-12 (.667) from beyond the arc, while also tallying a playoff career-best 28 points, eight rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block in 36 minutes during Game 1 in Atlanta. His eight triples were also the 2nd-most by a bench player in NBA postseason history (Jason Terry, 9 3FGM against LAL on 5/8/2011).

Against the Hawks in Game 1, Tristan Thompson posted his 4th double-double of the playoffs with a career postseason-high 14 points on 5-7 (.714) shooting, 10 rebounds and two blocks in 42 minutes.

LeBron James led the Cavs in Game 1 with a game-high 31 points, eight rebounds and a game-high tying six assists in 38 minutes.

Where to Catch the Action

Fan Guide

TV: TNT, Radio: WTAM 1100, 87.7 FM La Mega, ESPN Radio

Be sure to tune into #CavsLive pregame show on FOX Sports Ohio starting at 7:30 p.m.

For live in-game updates, follow @cavs, @CavsJoeG, @CavsFredMcLeod, @MrCavalier34, @CavsJMike, @chones22, @FSOAllieOop and @ElalcaldeRafa on Twitter.

On Deck

After tonight's game, the two teams will square off in Game 3 of the series on Sunday at Quicken Loans Arena. Tipoff is at 8:30 p.m. ET. View Series Schedule