With the Atlanta Hawks back's placed firmly against the wall coach Larry Drew is returning to his most trusted starting lineup and one we haven't seen since early January. Al Horford will make his first start since suffering a torn pectoral muscle in January and Marvin Williams will move into the starting small forward slot with Joe Johnson sliding back to shooting guard.
Larry Drew says #Hawks starters vs. #Celtics GM 5: Teague, J. Johnson, Williams, Smith, Horford
— Michael Cunningham (@ajchawks) May 8, 2012
The move makes the Hawks bigger with Johnson at the shooting guard position and indicates that they will look to take an advantage over the smaller Boston backcourt of Rajon Rondo and Avery Bradley. Kirk Hinrich and Jason Collins return to the bench with Hinrich likely to be one of the first subs in at either guard spot.
For more on the Hawks-Celtics playoff series check out Peachtree Hoops and CelticsBlog. For more news and notes regarding the NBA Playoffs head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.