Hawks' DeMarre Carroll will start in Game 2 against the Cavaliers

Atlanta Hawks small forward DeMarre Carroll will start in Game 2 of the NBA's Eastern Conference finals, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Atlanta Hawks small forward DeMarre Carroll will start in Game 2 of the NBA's Eastern Conference finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Carroll, who has a left knee sprain, had been listed as questionable for the game after X-rays on his knee came back negative, the Hawks announced Thursday.  

The news of the sprain was first reported by Zach Klein of Atlanta's WSB-TV, citing multiple sources who indicated Carroll's knee sprain was not as serious as it could have been. USA Today's Sam Amick tweeted a similar report later on Thursday.

Ken Berger of CBSSports reported that Carroll's Thursday MRI revealed a bone bruise and no structural damage.

According to ESPN's Kevin Arnovitz, sources close to the situation called the injury a "best-case scenario."

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Carroll was injured in the fourth quarter of Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals when he landed on his left foot during a layup attempt. He was helped off the floor by teammates and trainers and was seen on crutches after the game.

Carroll posted this on Instagram Thursday after his MRI, which can only be viewed as a positive statement from the player.

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A post shared by DeMarre Carroll (@demarrecarroll1)

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The small forward, tasked with guarding LeBron James, played 35 minutes and scored five points during the 97-89 loss to Cleveland, who lead the best-of-seven series 1-0. Game 2 is Friday in Atlanta.

"He's such a great teammate," Budenholzer said, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. "Everybody is just concerned about DeMarre. ... I'm hoping he's ready to help us as soon as possible."

Carroll is the team’s leading scorer in the playoffs, averaging 16.2 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 13 postseason games this season. 

"It was hard to watch," Hawks guard Kyle Korver said, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. "We love DeMarre like a brother. ... We'll see tomorrow how he is. Obviously, it didn't look good."

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