The Atlanta Hawks look to get back in the win column in Miami as they face their division rival in a game that is pivotal for both teams as we head into February.
It is hard to fathom that a regular season game in January between two playoff teams could be considered a “must win”. But that’s exactly what it feels like for the Hawks who have lost four of their last five and are getting dangerously close to falling out of the race to host a home playoff series. The Hawks just haven’t looked good lately and are limping into the All-Star break, not because of injuries, but because of inconsistent play. This team took January by storm last year and as they prepare for their final tilt this month, this year has been anything but what last January was.
The Hawks were blown out in Indy on Thursday, a game in which Paul Millsap went down with an injury and didn’t return for the second half. Jeff Teague has played better over the last few games but Kent Bazemore has struggled. Kyle Korver seems to alternate nights in which his shot is on and off. Those things are the epitome of what the Hawks have gone through this season. Last year the entire team was clicking on all cylinders most of the season. This year, the team can’t get more than one or two to play well on the same night, at least since that 8-2 start.
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The Miami Heat have been in a similar situation this season, dealing with inconsistencies but at the moment, they are trending upward (winners of three straight) as the Hawks are going the other direction. Despite missing Hassan Whiteside in their last contest with the Milwaukee Bucks, the Heat have seemingly turned the corner and have been playing better basketball of late. Wade and Bosh both picked up the slack against the Bucks as they both scored 20+ points in the win.
The Heat currently sit a half a game behind the Hawks for the 5th spot in the Eastern Conference standings. A loss tonight and the Hawks would drop to 6th place and a mere game and a half from the 8th spot. The two teams have met twice this season with each team winning the road matchup. Hopefully that trend continues as it will bode well for the Hawks since they are in South Beach for this one. Jeff Teague was masterful in the Hawk win and Kent Bazemore paced the team in the loss. Hassan Whiteside, who likely won’t play tonight, totaled 27 rebounds in the two contests, which has been an Achilles heel for the Hawks all season.
Key to the Game:
Healthy Millsap: Millsap is the team’s only All-Star this season and has been the only consistent player for this team on the season. Night in and night out he seems to bring it and the team just isn’t the same when he isn’t on the floor. After suffering an ankle injury against the Pacers, Millsap is probably to go against the Heat tonight. The Hawks will need their “Anchorman” in the lineup or this one won’t be close. He’s played in every game except for one this season and it was one of the more disappointing and deflating losses of the season last weekend against the Suns. Millsap is the engine that makes this team go and he needs to be 100% for this team to have any chance at turning this thing around.
Projected Starting Lineups:
Atlanta Hawks
- PG: Jeff Teague
- SG: Kyle Korver
- SF: Kent Bazemore
- PF: Paul Millsap
- C: Al Horford
Notes: Paul Millsap (ankle) practiced and is listed as probably for Sunday’s game
Miami Heat
- PG: Goran Dragic
- SG: Dwayne Wade
- SF: Luol Deng
- PF: Chris Bosh
- C: Amare Stoudemire
Notes: Hassan Whiteside (hip) and Chris Andersen (knee) are both listed as questionable for tonight’s contest
Other News & Notes:
- Expect a heavy dose of Teague/Horford pick and rolls against the Heat
- Jeff Teague had a season high 26 points against the Heat in November
- Tonight’s game will be broadcast on Fox Sports Southeast (TV) and 92.9 The Game (Radio)
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