Horford, Pachulia to miss time & Doc optimistic on Allen

#Hawks C @Al_Horford (pectoral) says he's out for 1st round vs. #Celtics. Hopes to play in 2nd round.
— Michael Cunningham (@ajchawks) April 25, 2012

#Hawks also planning to be without C Zaza Pachulia (foot) for start of series vs. #Celtics.
— Michael Cunningham (@ajchawks) April 25, 2012

ESPN Boston, Chris Forsberg

Celtics coach Doc Rivers acknowledged prior to Tuesday's victory that Ray Allen's prolonged ankle woes are a "concern," but he did offer one of his only glances of hope in recent weeks after the game, when he noted that he thinks Allen will be ready for the postseason, which will begin either Saturday or Sunday against the Atlanta Hawks. "I think Ray will be ready," Rivers said. "I don't know that. I do think he will be ready. But if he's not, someone else has to be."

Zaza will miss the beginning of the series and Horford will miss the whole series. If Ray Allen returns for the Celtics that would be a huge boost, and with the Hawks missing their big men the Celtics should be the favorite in this series - home court or not.