Atlanta Hawks: Lineups and keys vs Los Angles Lakers
The Atlanta Hawks host the Los Angles Lakers in the first of a four-game homestand. Despite all the injuries, the Hawks have finished January with a 10-9 record. For those who remember last year, it took 42 games to get to 10 wins, so they have certainly improved.
The Lakers, last year’s champions are sitting in third in the very tightly contested Western Conference, only one game out of first place. They are still riding the play of LeBron James but look very beatable when Anthony Davis is not on, and by his own words, he is struggling.
However, when a team won last year and they only lost ancillary pieces in Rajon Rondo, JaVale McGee, and Dwight Howard, they are not to be taken lightly. While the Hawks are much better this season, the loss of De’Andre Hunter to knee wear and tear is going to be tough to cover for the team.
Atlanta Hawks key No. 1) Slow down LeBron James
As he is one of the best players of all time, James is not easy to stop. Players who have the quickness to go with him on the floor usually don’t have the strength. This would have been a fun matchup to watch if Hunter had been playing.
However, now the Hawks need to defend James as a complete unit rather than simply helping Hunter. The first key is to not turn the ball over. If James gets it he either creates for himself or others. The other key is to watch which defensive switches come over to James. He will simply bully ball any guards who defend him and that is when he hits a high percentage of his shots.
Atlanta Hawks key No. 2) Get Trae Young going early
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When Trae Young gets going early, the Hawks become incredibly hard to stop. Last season the Lakers could have used Rajon Rondo to slow down Young but he is now on the Hawks squad. The Lakers now have the pesky Dennis Schroder.
While both Schroder and Young are extremely fast, if the Hawks can create some space with effective screens, Schroder does not have the athleticism to stop Young. This will either result in multiple fouls or easier shots, both of which the Hawks would be happy with.
Atlanta Hawks lineup projection.
The Hawks should go in with a relatively unchanged lineup with the exception of Hunter. The pivot will be Clint Capela, and the four will be John Collins, with Young at the point guard position. When these three are healthy, this will always be the case.
The first question mark is the two-guard where Kevin Huerter has been starting since Cam Reddish hurt his knee. He should keep this spot given the Hawks have been successful when he starts. He has not been his usual high-scoring self lately but is able to contribute on so many other levels.
dark. Next. 5 players who need to step up with De'Andre Hunter out
The wing spot will most likely go to Solomon Hill unless the Hawks decide to try and unleash Reddish. The problem with that is then the bench will have very little scoring besides Danilo Gallinari and will impact the balance of the team.