The implications for the Atlanta Hawks of John Collins being out against Pacers
The Atlanta Hawks announced that John Collins is out tonight against the Indiana Pacers due to his right finger sprain and right foot strain. This comes on the back of Collins playing one of his worst professional games a few nights ago.
Collins is having an amazing season averaging 16.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.0 blocks in 30.8 munutes per game. Despite the raw numbers being lower, Collins is really settling into his newly defined role with the Hawks.
When he is on the court the rims are not safe. He is Trae Young’s favorite target in the restricted area. His ability in the pick and roll only just overshadows his ability to pick and pop which makes the whole team so much harder to defend.
This is one of the reasons that Young is able to be at the top of the NBA in assists. However, due to Collins defender not being able to cheat off him, Young also has an easier time scoring with his power forward on the court.
The Atlanta Hawks are correct to rest John Collins against the Pacers.
The Hawks have the Pacers tonight and then the Portland Trail Blazers tomorrow night in a potentially dangerous back-to-back. The Pacers have hit the reset button and are working towards next season. The Hawks easily accounted for them last time around and should be able to do the same without their starting power forward.
However, the Trail Blazers game presents a different set of circumstances. Anfernee Simons torched the Hawks in the last matchup between the two teams. The Blazers also just took care of the injured-depleted Cleveland Cavaliers which certainly helped the Hawks cause last game.
However, they are one spot outside the play-in tournament, just half a game behind the New Orleans Pelicans. With so much to play for it would be better for Collins to be available for the second game, possibly helping the Hawks claw back another half game on the sixth seed.
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The other part of the equation is that the injuries that Collins seems to be getting are wear and tear related. The big man has been playing different positions on the court and it is taking it’s toll. Any rest that the Hawks can give Collins at this time of the season may be a huge positive down the stretch and into the post season.