Atlanta Hawks: 5 Key Games That Fans Should Watch in 2018-19
4. Atlanta Hawks vs. Toronto Raptors, November 21st
Unfortunately, Drake is not the reason why the Raptors are number four on the list. In order to be the best, you have to beat the best. This summer the Raptors landed Kawhi Leonard in a trade that shipped DeMar DeRozan to the San Antonio Spurs, per Adrian Wojnarowski.
Again, Taurean Prince will be put to the test on the defensive side of the ball. The third-year forward will have to develop into a solid two-way player in order to help the Hawks grow into a contender. Seeing Prince go against Leonard on the offensive end of the floor will be a treat., as last season, the 2016 draft pick averaged 14.1 points, 2.6 assists and 4.7 rebounds. Another matchup to watch out for is Collins at the forward position going against Serge Ibaka, who may have lost a step or two at this point.
Depending on the type of offense first-year head coach Lloyd Pierce runs, Collins could dominate the matchup on the boards and in the paint. By no means am I saying he is better than Ibaka. However, in recent years, Ibaka has continued to pass up opportunities to score in the paint to settle for three-point attempts.
The final matchup that fans need to watch out for is the battle of the centers. Dewayne Dedmon will be tasked with defending and boxing out Jonas Valanciunas. Despite the multiple missed potential game-winning layups in the playoffs last season, Valanciunas is a talented center. Dedmon will be tested on the defensive side of the floor.
Both teams have put together impressive second units. Huerter will be an x-factor in this game because of his height, wingspan and ability to shoot over smaller defenders.