The Atlanta Hawks fell to 2-2 on the young season after the Houston Rockets completed a home-and-home season series sweep. Atlanta struggled to deal with Houston's size in the paint and could not consistently find the range from beyond the arc. Now, the Hawks return home to face two teams that could pose similar problems.
The Hawks face the Miami Heat on Oct. 28 and the Cleveland Cavaliers on Oct. 29 at State Farm Arena. Both teams come in with big frontcourts- something Atlanta has struggled to deal with in the past. As a result, the Hawks must up their physicality and spread the defense out with improved 3-point shooting.
Hawks could be in trouble if major 3-point struggles continue
The Hawks shot under 30% from deep in both contests against the Rockets. They went 14-for-35 on Oct. 24 and 11-for-39 on Oct. 26. Atlanta must capitalize on its open perimeter looks against the Heat and Cavaliers to draw their elite defensive frontcourts away from the rim. This would give slashers like Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Kingston Flemings more space for clean inside looks.
Despite Miami's disastrous 0-4 start to the campaign, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo remain elite defenders. They arguably form the best defensive frontcourt in the league, combining athletic shot-blocking and the ability to guard multiple positions.
It does not get any easier against Cleveland. Evan Mobley is just two years removed from his 2024-25 Defensive Player of the Year campaign. Johnson will have his hands full trying to get around Mobley. However, the Hawks star's challenge does not stop there, as Jarrett Allen could be waiting for him at the rim. The Cavaliers' starting center averages 2.0 blocks per game this season.
It will be critical for Atlanta's power forwards and centers to make the Heat and Cavaliers respect them as outside shooters. However, Johnson is just 3-for-19 from deep, while Onyeka Okongwu is 3-for-17. Jock Landale also cannot find the range from outside, hitting only one of his 11 attempts.
Head Coach Quin Snyder plays Lu Dort as the backup power forward. The Hawks depended on the NBA champion to bounce back from a poor 2025-26 shooting campaign, but he is only 4-for-17 from 3-point range this season. Snyder might also have to adjust his rotation if Cleveland's height down low proves too much for Dort to handle.
These numbers have to improve, especially for a Snyder-led squad that relies on 3-point volume.
Hawks cannot let Antetokounmpo have what he wants inside
Alperen Şengün put up a monster game against Atlanta on Monday. He recorded 29 points, nine rebounds, nine assists, and six steals, as Atlanta had no answer for him inside. Antetokounmpo has the same ability to completely take over a game.
The Hawks must make the superstar forward work on every offensive possession. It will be interesting to see if Snyder gives Daniels or Okongwu the daunting task of slowing down Miami's future Hall of Famer.
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