Atlanta Hawks face must win game against the New York Knicks
The Atlanta Hawks are in the midst of their second slide of the season. Both times the issue has been the injuries suffered by the Hawks. However, they are about to start a ten-game stretch of the season which could make or break their playoff hopes.
The current slide is six losses in seven games and if they are not careful they could lose a lot of ground on the eighth seed prior to the All-Star break. The first game in this run home to the break is against the New York Knicks.
The last time out the Hawks lost to the Knicks 108-113, on the back of RJ Barrett collecting the stat line of 26 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists. While this was a good performance, Julius Randle had 28 points, 17 rebounds, and nine assists which was the difference.
Atlanta Hawks key No. 1) Win the rebounding battle
The last time these two teams met the Knicks won the rebounding battle 45-40. This is an aberration for the Hawks when they have both Clint Capela and John Collins available. Capela only had 12 rebounds, compared to 17 from Randle.
The Knicks are without their starting center Mitchell Robinson for a month to six weeks due to a hand injury which will make it easier for the Hawks frontcourt to win this battle. The other factor is the play of Capela has gone up a notch or two since this game.
Atlanta Hawks key No. 2) Get to every shot
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While the Hawks have one of the best perimeter defenses in the league. However, they have been absolutely owned in the mid-range, especially against the San Antonio Spurs. The Hawks were also really bad in this area against the Knicks last time out.
With the exception of Elfrid Payton, the Knicks did not have a player who shot under 50.0 percent from the floor. As a team, they went 43-85 from the floor which is good for 50.6 percent. If the Hawks want to stop the Knicks from winning they need to be tighter on defense inside the arc.
Atlanta Hawks key No.3) Julius Randle vs Clint Capela
The Knicks are riding the back of the play of Randle who is averaging 22.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 5.6 assists. He has been the epicenter of the offense. Now that the Knicks have added Derrick Rose, he is even more dangerous.
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Clint Capela has been defending the paint as he takes it personally when the opposition scores. Being beaten in a rebounding battle would not be something Capela likes so therefore he will want to exact revenge.