Hinrich's injury is major blow for Hawks

The Hawks were minutes from making it to the second round of the NBA playoffs with relatively few injury issues when Kirk Hinrich crumpled to the floor and clutched his right leg.
The Hawks said their starting point guard is doubtful to play in the Eastern Conference semifinals against Chicago after suffering a “significant strain” to his right hamstring Thursday. Hinrich sustained the injury late in the Hawks’ series-clinching victory against Orlando at Philips Arena.

Hinrich’s injury is a major blow to the Hawks’ prospects against the top-seeded Bulls. He’s best suited to defend All-Star Derrick Rose, and the Hawks also could use Hinrich’s shooting against the league’s best defensive team.

The Hawks were hampered by injuries while being swept 4-0 in the second round of the past two playoffs. Now they are likely to be without Hinrich against the Bulls.

“That’s tough,” Hawks guard Jamal Crawford said Friday before the extent of Hinrich’s injury was announced. “Kirk is the head of our defense. He’s the guy who makes stuff happen from the start. I just hope he is healthy enough to get out there.”

Hinrich suffered the injury while scoring on a drive with about three minutes remaining in Game 6. He limped down the court to play defense before collapsing at the next stoppage of play.