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Atlanta Hawks: Things to Watch For in December

ByDallin Duffy|
ATLANTA, GA - NOVEMBER 25: Vince Carter #15 of the Atlanta Hawks looks to rebound against the Minnesota Timberwolves on November 25, 2019 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - NOVEMBER 25: Vince Carter #15 of the Atlanta Hawks looks to rebound against the Minnesota Timberwolves on November 25, 2019 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)

Previewing the month of December for the Atlanta Hawks.

The final month of the 2019 calendar year is here, and the Atlanta Hawks sure can’t wait to put November in the rear view mirror.

Atlanta went 2-13 in the first full month of the season, losing their final 10 along the way. December looks to bring an easier schedule, but not by much, and the return of some much needed help for Trae Young.
Let’s preview:

The Schedule:

Dec. 2nd – v. Golden State

Dec. 4th – v. Brooklyn

Dec. 8th – @ Charlotte

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Dec. 10th- @ Miami

Dec. 11th – @ Chicago

Dec. 13th – v Indiana

Dec. 15th – v Los Angeles (Lakers)

Dec. 17th – @ New York

Dec. 19th – v Utah

Dec 21st – @ Brooklyn

Dec.23rd – @ Cleveland

Dec. 27th – v Milwaukee

Dec. 28th – @ Chicago

Dec. 30th – @ Orlando

Once again, the Hawks will play more on the road than in the ATL, visiting 8 arenas while remaining home for 6. This is slightly better than the 9:6 ratio they had last month.
November was also an onslaught of tough opponents, and things also get only slightly less challenging here.

Starting the month with Golden State, currently the only team with a worse winning percentage than Atlanta, is a nice way to start the month, and hopefully end that 10-game losing streak.

Story lines to Watch:

  • Kevin Huerter‘s return: Although he was initially given a 4-5 week timetable, the guard hinted that he could be back as soon as Monday’s Warriors match up. That’s probably on the optimistic side, and I expect the return to be around the 4 week mark, which would be around the Bulls game on the 11th.
  • John Collins‘ return: Unlike Huerter, we do know when John Collins is coming back: December 23rd. Nice little Christmas present there for Trae Young, Lloyd Pierce, and of course, Hawks fans. It’ll be interesting to see how fast he’s transitioned back into the lineup.
  • Defensive form: After a surprisingly solid start to the season back in October, Atlanta’s defense was the worst in the league throughout November, by most metrics. It could be due to the tough schedule, or the Hawks’ defense just not being very good. When the two above players return, and the schedule evens out a bit, we can truly see the defense’s true form.
  • Trae Young’s All-Star case: Trae was the lone bright spot of the previous month. He averaged just under 29 points and 9 assists per game in the mostly losing efforts. We’ll see if the month of December is just as fruitful for him, the month wherein the All-Star voting window begins.

December doesn’t look as haunting as November for the Atlanta Hawks, and they should have more chances to win games.

The respective returns of JC and Red Velvet are probably the biggest things to watch for, outside the games themselves.

Once again, they’ll start their second full month of play tonight, Monday the 2nd, against the Warriors. Tip is scheduled for 7:30 Eastern

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