Patrick Patterson missed the first game of the season due to a sprained left quad muscle, but will be back in the starting lineup tonight vs. Atlanta.
“It was difficult to sit and watch preseason,” Patterson said. “Every game is difficult to sit down and watch, but my teammates handled it well, went out there and played with great energy and played well. They looked strong without me out there. I just want to come out there and keep everything rolling.”
The Hawks’ emphasis on pick-and-roll and interior play of Josh Smith and Al Horford make Patterson’s defense especially valuable against Atlanta, but he said he had not targeted the game for his return.
“I was thinking I had to be ready by Detroit,” Patterson said. “I wanted to be ready for the first game. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out. But positive note, we won. After that game, talking to the trainers, working every single day with my quad, trying to get it right, right now it feels good. I’m definitely going to be ready.
“I’m going to go out there like I’m 100 percent, like I’m pain free, like there’s nothing wrong and focus on the task at hand.”
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Be great to see Patrick get back on the floor, but the big question will Terrence Jones get minutes tonight as well?
