If we’ve tried to make one thing clear, it’s that if the Atlanta Hawks (29-31)want to make some noise in the postseason, they need John Collins. Not only does the high-flying fifth-year forward bring a level of versatility the roster is otherwise lacking. But he is also the heart and soul of this team, still cheering them on even as he’s been sidelined for the last five games with a strained foot.
According to Hawks general manager Travis Schlenk via 92.9 The Game’s Mike Conti, however, “there’s a chance” Collins could play against the Boston Celtics on Tuesday. Boston is 2-2 over its last four losing to the Indiana Pacers on Sunday and the Detroit Pistons before the All-Star break.
The Hawks hold a 2-1 edge in the season series but took the loss in the most recent meeting falling 105-95 in Boston.
It came on the heels of their adding Derrick White at the trade deadline as the Hawks stood pat.
The Atlanta Hawks could get a shot in the arm when they take on the Celtics
Collins missed that last meeting in the first absence following his foot injury suffered during the Hawks 136-121 loss to the San Antonio Spurs. He’s missed the last four contests as Atlanta has matched Boston’s 2-2 record in their last four contests. And with the Hawks getting an assist to move into ninth on their day off, there is a lot at stake in this one.
Trae Young dropped 30 points and dished out 10 assists but he was rather inefficient shooting just 34.6 percent from the floor and hitting 4-of-12 threes.
Young did get some support in the form of Bogdan Bogdanovic dropping 26 points with six boards but he and De’Andre Hunter (10 points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals) were the only other Hawks to score in double-figures.
Clint Capela did have 17 boards to go with his eight points.
But the Hawks shot just 36.6 percent overall hitting 12-of-38 threes. They also gave up a 42-point third quarter to the Celtics who got a game-high 38 points from Jayson Tatum including 16 points in the third. Jaylen Brown scored 11 of his 17 points in the same frame after the Hawks took a 55-45 lead into halftime.
A look at John Collins (who has been out with a right foot strain) after practice: pic.twitter.com/ZowUAcAetI
— Sarah K. Spencer (@sarah_k_spence) February 28, 2022
White allowed the Celtics to switch everything but it was their ability to knock down the three-ball in the second half that made all the difference.
They went from 4-for-20 in the first half to 7-of-18 in the second.
We just got an update from Bally Sports’ Lauren Jbarra on Collins as well as word from Nate McMillan via The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Sarah K. Spencer saying Collins “was feeling better” but that they were “not going to push him”.
He had yet to actually go through practice and is still listed as doubtful for Tuesday’s game so this would be a significant improvement at a critical time in the schedule as the rest of the East continues to shuffle.
These are the types of games the Hawks have to win down the stretch with or without Collins, though, his return would be a welcoming sight and would allow them to unlock one of the league’s most efficient lineups.