Atlanta Hawks vs. Boston Celtics: Matchup to Watch
The Atlanta Hawks are struggling and need a win over the Boston Celtics. Which matchup could decide this game?
The Hawks are in a tailspin.
They are 2-8 in their last ten games and sit just two games above the playoff line in the Eastern Conference. In their final five games, stiff challenges are present in all of them.
The first of those challenges comes against the Boston Celtics. And the key matchup is obvious in this game from both a tactical and emotional standpoint.
A center battle between Dwight Howard and longtime Hawk Al Horford is the key to this game.
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These two players could not be more different. Howard is a physical beast down low that rebounds with the best of them and scores almost all of his points in the paint. Horford is more of a finesse big man that can shoot, post up, pass, and defend players out to the perimeter.
And this style matchup favors Howard on paper.
Horford has struggled in his career against elite rebounders. He has had his share of issues with Howard over the years and, notably, Tristan Thompson in the playoffs. Howard’s ability to push Horford around and create extra possessions will be vital to the success of a Hawks team that has been struggling on offense. The team has scored 100+ points just twice over the last 11 contests.
If Horford can contain Howard on the glass, the Celtics’ very good defense should be good enough to shut down the Hawks’ offense. Horford’s best bet is to attack Howard to try and get him in foul trouble. If that occurs, Ersan Ilyasova will be forced into the game at the five and that matchup favors Horford.
But if the last meeting was any indicator, Horford will really struggle to get the job done. Howard was dominant in the last meeting between the two teams. The Atlanta native posted 17 points and 12 rebounds before being ejected in the third quarter. His impressive performance led to a big Hawks win and one of their best of the season.
This inside matchup is critically important in this game. If the Hawks can control the paint, they can abuse the advantage so many other teams had when Horford was at the center spot for the Hawks.
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But if they fail to do so, Horford can be the key to igniting a Celtic offense that could run the struggling Hawks out of the gym.