Atlanta Hawks Playoff Preview: Round One vs. Washington Wizards

Nov 4, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) and Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard (8) reach for a loose ball during the second half at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 4, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) and Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard (8) reach for a loose ball during the second half at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 4, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) and Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard (8) reach for a loose ball during the second half at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 4, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) and Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard (8) reach for a loose ball during the second half at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Hawks have a tough road ahead of them in the 2017 NBA Playoffs. First up, they have to get by the Washington Wizards. Just who are this season’s Wizards?

The Atlanta Hawks are in the playoffs for the 10th consecutive season. That’s all well and good, but the Mike Budenholzer era of Hawks basketball hasn’t been just about making it to the playoffs. Under Budenholzer’s leadership, the Hawks have started winning in the playoffs.

In 2014-15 they won two rounds before losing to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals. Last season they beat the Boston Celtics in the first round before losing to the Cavaliers again in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

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This season they will again look to advance at least one round. Standing in their way are the 4th seeded Washington Wizards. The Wizards are darn good and will be favored in this series.

That being said, this is a series the Hawks could absolutely win. The Hawks have played their best against playoff teams this season. They boast winning records against the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers.

Naturally, their first playoff opponent would be one of the playoff teams that they don’t have a record of .500 or better against.

The Wizards have had an interesting season. Who are they exactly? Who should the Hawks look out for? How the heck could anyone stop John Wall?These are the questions that will have to be answered.

Playoff time truly is the most wonderful time of the year.