Atlanta Hawks: Hawks vs. 76ers Pre Game Report
When the Atlanta Hawks play the Philadelphia 76ers, good things happen. Let’s hope for more of the same as the team travels to Philly for a 7:00 PM EST tip off.
One of the great motivational speakers of my generation once said, “We won a game yesterday. If we win today, it’s called ‘two in a row’. And if we win again tomorrow, it’s called a ‘winning streak’… It has happened before!” Lou Brown was right and it is that exact speech that the Hawks need heading into tonight’s game against the lowly 76ers, a team that currently sports the worst record in the league.
The Hawks have played Philly twice this season and have won both games. And following both of those games, the Hawks were able to win their following game. Back in December, the team’s win vs. Philly was the first of six straight victories that vaulted the Hawks back into the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference. Let’s hope for similar results in tonight’s game and as the team returns home to host the Pacers on Friday.
The Hawks, specifically Jeff Teague, played their best ball in weeks against the Mavs on Monday. Teague scored a game high 32 points to go along with 8 assists in what was his best individual performance of the season. On a night where Paul Millsap and Kent Bazemore both had off nights shooting the rock, it was the two headed attack of Teague and Schroder that paced the team in the 112-97 win.
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The 76ers gave a scare to the Warriors on Monday, losing to the NBA’s best team 108-105 in a game that saw seven Philly players reach double figures. Isiah Canaan led the team with 18 and Jahlil Okafor returned from a two game suspension to score 13 points off the bench. Since acquiring Ish Smith back in late December, this Philly team has looked a lot better. He’s been a journeyman his entire career but seems to have found a home in the City of Brotherly Love with the way he has played.
The Hawks haven’t played well on the road this season, but a trip to Philly is just what the Dr. ordered as this team looks to gain some momentum entering the All-Star break.
Key to the Game:
Teague Time…About Time: As we turn the page into February, the time has come for Jeff Teague to break out of his season long slump and get back to the way he was playing last season. If Monday night’s game was any indication, Jeff is well on his way. With trade rumors swirling around him, Jeff Teague needs to put this team on his back and carry them to the All-Star break. He did just that on Monday night against the Mavs and I expect to see more of the same tonight in Philly. The 76er guard rotation isn’t daunting by any stretch and Teague should be licking his chops to get back on the court tonight and build off of Monday’s performance.
Projected Starting Lineups:
Atlanta Hawks
- PG: Jeff Teague
- SG: Kyle Korver
- SF: Kent Bazemore
- PF: Paul Millsap
- C: Al Horford
Notes: Tiago Splitter (hip) will miss tonight’s game
Philadelphia 76ers
- PG: Ish Smith
- SG: Nik Stauskas
- SF: Jerami Grant
- PF: Nerlens Noel
- C: Jahlil Okafor
Notes: Robert Covinton (illness) is listed as questionable for tonight’s game
Other News & Notes:
- The Hawks are tied for 2nd (Spurs) in the NBA in Assists Per Game at 25.2
- Mike Muscala fouled out in 17 minutes of action against the Mavs
- Kyle Korver needs 10 more three’s to pass Chauncey Billups for 8th All-Time
- The Hawks are 7-3 when Jeff Teague’s scores 20+ points
- Tonight’s game will be broadcast on Fox Sports Southeast (TV) and 92.9 The Game (Radio)
Next: Haw Serious Are The Al Horford Trade Rumors
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