Hawks dealing with injuries to Young, Capela in East final

ATLANTA – The Atlanta Hawks are dealing with another injury that could affect their preparations for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference final.

Clint Capela, the Hawks’ top rebounder and one of the NBA’s best defensive players, took an inadvertent elbow to the face in the closing minutes of a 110-88 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night.

In a postseason filled with significant injures, Capela was struck around his nose and right eye by Bucks guard Sam Merrill on a play under the basket. The Hawks center left the court with a towel over his face and did not return.

Atlanta coach Nate McMillan said he expected to receive an update on Capela’s condition later Wednesday while the Hawks are en route to Milwaukee for Game 5. The series is tied 2-2.

The Hawks evened it up despite missing star guard Trae Young, who injured his right ankle in a freak accident when he stepped on an official’s foot along the sideline in Game 3.

With veteran Lou Williams filling in for Young and scoring 21 points, the Hawks romped to a dominating win.