The Atlanta Hawks need a win over the new-look Cavs to keep pace in East
If the Atlanta Hawks (26-30) cannot take down the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday they will be out of the playoff field for the first time since. Fittingly, it was a win over the Boston Celtics on Jan 28 that helped them climb out of the 12th spot and into 10th. Now, just two weeks later, following a loss to Boston, the Hawks are at risk of being out of the field ahead of the break.
They have one more game, against the Orlando Magic, after this one to take some momentum into the eight-day layoff for most of the squad.
However, the level of competition in this one makes it the one to watch before this team tries to make another run to the postseason down the stretch. Last season that meant a 25-11 run in the second half.
This year, they would need to go 20-4 to match last season’s win percentage.
The Atlanta Hawks inconsistency has turned mid-season matchups into must-win situations
Atlanta’s Jekyll and Hyde performance in the loss to Boston was emblematic of their play throughout this campaign. Sure, they were without John Collins in this one dropping them to 2-4 in games he’s missed this season. But they were in complete control and let it get away from them in the second half with help from the officials.
A tendency to fall in love with the long ball offensively while simultaneously becoming allergic to defending it has led to many a game-changing run for the other side.
Cleveland traded for Caris LeVert prior to the deadline and, while his 14.7 points, 4.3 assists, and 2.0 rebounds are down from his season averages, he is shooting 37.5 percent from three-point range.
That is better than his 32.5 percent mark on the year as he plays with a real point guard.
Speaking of, Darius Garland is in a similar mold to Trae Young in that he is more dynamic as a passer even though his ability to put up points gets most of the attention. He’s dealt with a sore back that cause him to miss some games recently and missed both previous meetings between these teams which they have split.
Over his last 10 games, Garland is averaging 23.4 points and 9.5 assists while shooting 50.3 percent from the floor and 40.0 percent from downtown while leading the Cavs to a 7-3 record in those contests.
He’s also been prone to turnovers, though, with six in each of his last two outings.
Cleveland could be without Lauri Markkanen who is arguably the biggest mismatch as a 7-footer that has played small forward and Jarrett Allen is replacing James Harden in the All-Star game.
But the biggest issue for the Hawks will be rookie Evan Mobley who has been in a funk with just two double-doubles and three double-digit scoring outings in his last seven games. He’s also hauled in double-digit rebounds just twice, grabbing 12 both times. He’s averaged 16.5 points and 9.5 boards in the two meetings against the Hawks.
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The key for Young could be Isaac Okoro who has been his primary defender in previous matchups with varied success.
He’s credited as holding him 4-of-12 shooting in their first meeting back in October though Young did shoot and hit five free throws. The Hawks won that game 121-118. Young went 6-for-10 while hitting another five free throws in the second meeting; a 101-95 Cavs win.
Cleveland just had their four-game winnings streak snapped by the Philadelphia 76ers.
With Collins out, as well as Bogdan Bogdanovic and Delon Wright being listed as questionable, the Hawks likely can’t afford an off-night from Young. Even if he is his usual self they need better showings from the likes of Kevin Huerter. Even De’Andre Hunter, who showed his true value in the loss to Boston, could stand to clean up his offensive play of late quite a bit.
Neither had a strong showing the last time these two teams faced off.
The Washington Wizards are idle on Tuesday. But, thanks to their 104-93 win over the Detroit Pistons on Monday, stand to overtake the Hawks for the final spot in the play-in should Atlanta lose on Tuesday.
There would still be time to get that spot back. The Brooklyn Nets snapped their 11-game slide to be the only team amongst a play-in field to enter Tuesday coming off of a win. A play-in field that is separated by just five games with four head-to-head matchups against the three other current play-in teams left of the slate.
Next. Jalen Johnson should get an extended look with Collins out. dark
Still, the message of chipping away gets harder to sell the more they slide as they miss out on opportunities to make up some ground.