After a surprisingly competitive 99-92 loss to the Eastern Conference-leading Hawks in Game 1, the eighth-seeded Brooklyn Nets received news that should provide another boost of confidence, as third-year Bosnian forward Mirza Teletovic could remarkably return when the series recommences Wednesday in Atlanta.
Originally diagnosed with blood clots in his lungs that were expected to keep him out for the remainder of the season, Teletovic is now listed as probable for Game 2, according to CBSSports.com's Ken Berger.
The 29-year-old left a 123-84 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Jan. 22 complaining of shortness of breath, and the following day the Nets stated their intention of shutting Teletovic down for the final 39 games of the season, as his blood-thinning treatment would prevent him from competing.
After staving off the Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat and Charlotte Hornets for the East's final playoff spot last week, Brooklyn received word from team physician Dr. Michael Farber that Teletovic had been cleared to play after his "most recent bloodwork was normal." Nets GM Billy King offered this statement on Friday:
"Mirza has been cleared to resume basketball-related activities. Mirza will be listed as OUT for games, and if his status changes, we will update at the appropriate time."
Apparently, Monday was that appropriate time, as Nets coach Lionel Hollins alerted Berger of Teletovic's upgraded status. It's unclear how many minutes Teletovic can contribute if he appears in Game 2, since he hasn't played in three months. He averaged 8.5 points and 4.9 rebounds in 22.3 minutes over 40 games before the medical diagnosis. After shooting just 5-of-20 from 3-point range in the Game 1 loss, the Nets could use the stretch forward's floor-spacing ability as a 36.2 percent career 3-point shooter.
It may not mean the difference during a series in which the Hawks are heavily favored, since Brooklyn has been marginally better with Teletovic off the floor this season, but it's a welcome sign to see him emerge healthy from the scare, especially as he's set to become a restricted free agent this summer.
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