Budenholzer optimistic about Millsap's progress

The Atlanta Hawks have lost seven straight games, are in danger of falling into the Eastern Conference 7-seed (which, as of today, would book them a first-round date with the Cleveland Cavaliers), and are 0-8 on the season without Paul Millsap - who will remain sidelined for at least the next three games with a left knee injury.

For all that, Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer is clinging to optimism in the face of despair.

"I would actually say it's positive," Budenholzer said Tuesday of Millsap's status, according to Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "I think we are excited. We feel like he is making progress."

Millsap, who's missed the past five games, underwent a non-surgical procedure on his knee earlier this week after being diagnosed with synovitis. He'll be re-evaluated after sitting the next three contests - beginning with Tuesday night's game against the Phoenix Suns - and there's no guarantee he'll be cleared to return after that, though Budenholzer doesn't appear concerned.

"I think we have what we feel is a good plan," he said. "I think the knee is going to get better and better. Assuming nothing happens between now and the weekend, I'm actually upbeat. I think it's a positive where we are."

Where they are is tied with the Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers for the 5-7 spots in the East, with nine games left, at least a third of which they'll be playing without their best player. Even if Millsap does return after his allotted absence, the Hawks' playoff seeding could be compromised. But for Budenholzer, the sky isn't falling just yet.