2022 Playoffs: East First Round Heat (1) vs. Hawks (8)

John Collins returns for Game 1 as Hawks fall to Heat

The Hawks' power forward finished with 10 points in his return from multiple injuries as Atlanta falls 115-91 to East top-seed Miami in Game 1.

John Collins scored 10 points in the Hawks’ Game 1 defeat against the Heat on Sunday.

Hawks forward John Collins returned to action on Sunday as Atlanta suffered a 115-91 blowout loss in Game 1 of its first-round series with Miami.

Collins missed 18 straight games, including both of Atlanta’s Play-In victories against the Hornets and Cavaliers, since being sidelined on March 11 with multiple injuries.

The Hawks’ forward, who wasn’t at 100% despite returning to action, played in Game 1 on a minutes-restriction and finished with 10 points, shooting 4-for-6 from the field.

Collins has been dealing with finger and foot sprains since February and hasn’t played since March 11. He began 4-on-4 play last week and was previously listed as questionable for the Hawks, who advanced to the playoffs after beating the Cavs 107-101 in the Play-In Tournament on Friday night.

Collins averaged 16.2 points, 7.8 rebounds in 54 games this season and would provide some relief inside for the Hawks, who may be without starting center Clint Capela for significant time due to a hyperextended knee.

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