For the first time since 1994, the Hawks clinched the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference with a victory over the Heat on Friday, and the team has decided to let its starting five players take a break.
The Atlanta Journal Constitution reported that the Hawks will rest Kyle Korver, DeMarre Carroll, Paul Millsap and Al Horford for their game against the Hornets on Saturday night. Atlanta point guard Jeff Teague will miss his second game in a row due to an ankle injury.
Guess who just clinched the No.1 seed in the East? pic.twitter.com/CJSFMQu8Nl
— CBS Sports NBA (@CBSSportsNBA) March 28, 2015
Instead, Atlanta will be starting Dennis Schroder, John Jenkins, Kent Bazemore, Mike Muscala and Elton Brand at Charlotte in the second game of a back-to-back.
The Hornets will catch a break with the Hawks resting as they look to clinch the final playoff spot in the East.
Charlotte currently trails the Celtics by a game-and-a-half, but are also behind the Pacers and Nets in the conference standings.