Atlanta Hawks: 5 Key Games That Fans Should Watch in 2018-19

TARRYTOWN, NY - AUGUST 12: Mo Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic and Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks pose for a photo during the 2018 NBA Rookie Shoot on August 12, 2018 at the Madison Square Garden Training Center in Tarrytown, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Michelle Farsi/NBAE via Getty Images)
TARRYTOWN, NY - AUGUST 12: Mo Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic and Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks pose for a photo during the 2018 NBA Rookie Shoot on August 12, 2018 at the Madison Square Garden Training Center in Tarrytown, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Michelle Farsi/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Atlanta Hawks Taurean Prince
BOSTON, MA – APRIL 8: Taurean Prince, Atlanta Hawks /

1. Atlanta Hawks vs. Boston Celtics, December 14th

Finally, the last key matchup for the Hawks in the 2018-19 season will be against the Celtics who are the projected favorites in the East. The two teams will meet four times this season. Two of the first meetings will take place in November and December.

The last two meetings will take place in January and March. December 14th will be the matchup for Hawks fans to tune into because of the flow of the season. In the month of December, teams will be fully engaged and locked into the season as a whole.

Not only does December mark a checkpoint in the season, it will probably be a safe debut date for Gordon Hayward, who fractured his ankle last season after playing 5 minutes. Hawks coach Pierce will use this season to help develop a culture, solid rotation and identity for his team. In order for the Hawks to grow, they will need to play against the best competition.

A few matchups to look out for in this seasons series is Young going against Terry Rozier and Jayson Tatum facing off against Prince. Huerter could create a matchup problem if Boston head coach Brad Stevens puts Jaylen Brown on a smaller defender to add backcourt pressure.

Regardless of the talent difference, the Hawks can throw multiple lineups against any opponent. One thing that this year’s Hawks team can do is produce a small-ball lineup with the potential to knock down open threes from each spot on the floor.

Next. Atlanta Hawks Full Schedule Breakdown. dark

Atlanta may end this season with a losing record but they will play hard and make some noise in the east this season.

For more Atlanta Hawks coverage follow us at @Soaringdwnsouth.

Stats for this article are from stats.nba.com.