After the Atlanta Hawks suffered through the first part of the season with one of the hardest schedules in the NBA. Fortunately, they have been able to put the struggles of a six-game losing streak behind them and have dominated at home.
Their first game on this ho0mestand was against the 2021 NBA champions, the Milwaukee Bucks. Fortunately, the Bucks were without Khris Middleton but he probably would not have helped the Bucks to a win, such was the dominance of the home team.
The Hawks then had a back-to-back where they took on the pesky Orlando Magic. The Hawks were more than up to the task and they despatched the Florida franchise easily. Then the Hawks rode the back of a Kevin Huerter shooting masterclass in the first half to take care of their matchup against the Boston Celtics.
The Atlanta Hawks have a rare two-day break between games.
The Hawks have already had four different back-to-back matchups including the one mentioned earlier in this article. They also had one where they played an away game then flew home to play a home game the next night.
After the Celtics game, they have lucked out and are enjoying a luxurious two days off between games. Given how tough they have had it, this is something they have needed. The problem the Hawks have is that they have some niggling injuries.
De’Andre Hunter is out for eight weeks due to surgery on his right wrist. His heir apparent for the starting role, Kevin Huerter suffered tightness in his hamstring against the Orlando Magic and did not play the second half. On top of that Bogdan Bogdanovic has been listed as questionable due to ankle soreness for the past two games.
The extra day off gives these players the chance to get some more rest and treatment to get their bodies right. It also gives them a rare night off at home to get out of the NBA grind. This can only be a good thing in a long season.