Atlanta Hawks Final 20 Games Prediction
By Chris Guest
Warriors @ Hawks, 3/2/18
The Warriors are the defending champions and perhaps one of the greatest teams ever assembled (again). The Hawks have very little defense for Kevin Durant, Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, so all three could go off, though it also wouldn’t be surprising if role players like David West, Omri Casspi and Nick Young explode for huge games too.
Prediction: Hawks lose 123-101 (19-44)
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Suns @ Hawks, 3/4/18
This is perhaps the “marquee” matchup in the race for the worst record in the league, and the Suns got the better of the Hawks earlier this year in last-minute fashion.
Atlanta completely fell apart down the stretch, and were picked apart by the efficient scoring of both Devin Booker and T.J. Warren.
Though Atlanta has shown the ability to pummel teams when opponents don’t give their best effort (such as their recent win against the Pacers), they have also been maddeningly inconsistent on both ends, and this game could go either way – with both teams firmly in the tanking camp.
This should be close if both teams bring their best effort, but Atlanta has a better coach, a better system and probably better all-around talent.
Prediction: Hawks win 116-112 (20-44)
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Hawks @ Raptors, 3/6/18
The Raptors have destroyed the Hawks by a combined 62 points this season, with the first meeting ending in a laughable 112-78 blowout. Being top 10 in both offense and defense (as the Raptors are) will do that to you.
There’s little reason to believe that anything will change from the previous games, and it’s more likely that the outcome will be similar to the first game.
Prediction: Hawks lose 111-88 (20-45)
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Hawks @ Pacers, 3/9/18
The Hawks just defeated the Pacers on Wednesday, blowing them out in the 3rd quarter and then opening the door to a 37-22 4th quarter after that.
However, their previous two meetings with Indiana ended in 10-point and 23-point losses.
If Atlanta comes out with the same effort they showed on Wednesday, they might take this game, but with the Pacers in the thick of a playoff push, it is unlikely they’ll come out as flat as they did in that bout.
Prediction: Hawks lose 103-98 (20-46)
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Bulls @ Hawks, 3/11/18
The previous two games in this matchup this season were both losses for Atlanta, though this tank-tastic game should feature plenty of bad basketball from top to bottom.
However, with Chicago resting starters Robin Lopez and Justin Holiday and the Hawks playing at home, this one could go Atlanta’s way – especially if John Collins wants to show up lottery pick Lauri Markkanen.
Prediction: Hawks win 99-88 (21-46)
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Thunder @ Hawks, 3/13/18
Though this looks like a mismatch on paper, the Hawks played OKC close in Oklahoma in December, even without the services of Dennis Schröder.
Malcolm Delaney notched a career-high 20 points and Atlanta lost on a timely three-pointer from reigning MVP Russell Westbrook.
Again, the Thunder are vying for playoff position, so this should be an easy “L.”
Prediction: Hawks lose 120-103 (21-47)
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Hornets @ Hawks, 3/15/18
The Hornets have had the Hawks’ number this season, winning the three prior games by a combined 42 points. Dwight Howard apparently wants to “kill” the Hawks for his unceremonious trade in the offseason, and he has indeed played well against his hometown team this season.
The Hawks should fight valiantly in this tilt, but with the Hornets ostensibly still in the playoff hunt, the history of this matchup gives the edge to Charlotte.