Atlanta Hawks Game Preview: Feb. 2 at Houston Rockets
The Atlanta Hawks travel to Houston tonight to take on the Rockets in the second game of a back-to-back. Can they bounce back from their blowout loss to the Heat?
I still don’t have the Atlanta Hawks completely figured out. After winning a four overtime insanity filled carnival ride of a basketball game on Sunday, they followed that up by getting blown out by the suddenly red-hot Miami Heat.
The Hawks looked sluggish against the Heat, shooting below 40 percent from the field and below 30 percent from three-point range. They don’t have time to lick their wounds. The team with the third best record in Western Conference is staring them in the face.
The Hawks are in Houston tonight to take on the 36-16 Rockets. Hey, isn’t there another team from Atlanta playing in Houston this week? Isn’t that a pretty important game? Anyway, let’s move on from the sport with a misshapen ball.
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The Rockets have undergone an impressive turnaround under veteran head coach Mike D’Antoni. As I mentioned, Houston has the third best record in the Western Conference. They have asserted themselves as a real contender to challenge the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs for supremacy out west.
If Atlanta’s offense performs like it did against the Heat this one could get ugly. Houston’s offense can put up points in a hurry and this is not a good match-up for the Hawks. This also marks Dwight Howard‘s first game in Houston since he exited stage left this past summer.
There was an assortment of drama involving Howard during his time with the Rockets. I can only imagine the chorus of boos Rockets fans will rain down upon him.
These teams have already played once this season, Nov. 12 in Atlanta. The Hawks were victorious that night, defeating Houston 112-97. Paul Millsap lead the way for the Hawks with 23 points and 11 rebounds. James Harden scored 30 points for Houston, but somehow Atlanta held on for the win.
Who will come out on top after round two?