Atlanta Hawks: Why they might want to make the play-in tournament

The Atlanta Hawks were slated by many experts to make the play-in tournament. There were not many people who saw them making it directly into the playoffs but if they keep playing the way they are, the Hawks may even get a home seeding for the first round.

However, there is a case that can be made for the Hawks to drop down into the play-in tournament. If they can get their players back from injury with some games left in the season, then this would be time to get some chemistry back against some relatively weaker opponents.

The problem is the players who are out are key pieces of their rotation. De’Andre Hunter, Cam Reddish, Tony Snell, Trae Young, Kevin Huerter, and Brandon Goodwin are all out. Hunter and Reddish are yet to play under Nate McMillan

The Atlanta Hawks are still a new group

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When the Hawks are fully healthy, there are going to be very few teams who can beat them. They have players who can suit every situation. Defensive stoppers, floor-spacer, rebounders, rim protectors, you name it, they have it.

What they are potentially missing at the moment is what the rotations are going to be like when all the players come back. Most players on the roster have the ability to contribute significantly, a lot of them can take over, or even win the Hawks a game.

It is going to take a little time to work out the best combination, how many minutes are ideal for each player to gain the most impact out of them. These are decisions that McMillan and his coaching staff are going to have to make.

While this benefit may help the Hawks this season, it has the potential to be a very dangerous move given how many injuries the Hawks have suffered. It would be better, in my opinion, for the Hawks to qualify directly for the playoffs and work on rotations and minutes during the remaining games.