When we last received word, Thursday morning, on the ligament strain in Atlanta center Zaza Pachulia's left foot, an injury that had kept him out for six games, it looked like Hawks coach Larry Drew might be forced to match up against the Celtics and Kevin Garnett with Josh Smith at the five.
Thursday night, Atlanta Journal-Constitution beat writer Michael Cunningham tweeted some hopeful news for Hawks fans:
Zaza Pachulia says 'significant progress' in rehab on L foot. 'Swelling is down. Day-to-day. See how it goes.'
— Michael Cunningham (@ajchawks) April 27, 2012
A healthy Pachulia can only increase the Hawks' chances of making the second round, which will be needed if they want to see Al Horford on the court again this year.
For more on Zaza Pachulia and the Atlanta Hawks check out Peachtree Hoops. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page