Hawks vs. Nets preview: Atlanta hoping to take advantage of resting Brooklyn
Jan 6, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets shooting guard
Joe Johnson(7) controls the ball against Atlanta Hawks power forward
Paul Millsap(4) during the fourth quarter of a game at Barclays Center. The Nets defeated the Hawks 91-86. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
While the Brooklyn Nets are securely in the playoffs, the Atlanta Hawks still have work to do as the season continues for a few more games. Fortunately for Mike Budenholzer, it appears that Jason Kidd is going to start resting some of his starts in preparation for the playoffs. This will give the Hawks a great opportunity to avoid a season sweep from the Nets, and also put more distance between themselves and the New York Knicks–who are playing in Toronto tonight.
During their last two matchups, the Nets got the best of Atlanta, winning 91-96 on Jan. 6 and 127-110 on Jan. 16. In both of those games, former Atlanta Hawk Joe Johnson led the Nets in scoring with 23 and 29 points respectively. It would be nice if Johnson’s playing time was limited tonight, but if not he’s clearly a guy that needs to be stopped.
Brooklyn has done extremely well in their home games this season, boasting a 27-11 record. In contrast, the Hawks have been pretty poor on the road, losing 27 of their 39 games.
Jeff Teague and Paul Millsap have consistently been the best players for the Hawks (with an occasional great game from Mike Scott off of the bench) down the stretch and with Pero Antic‘s status questionable due to a sore ankle, they both need to have strong games.
Date: April 11, 2014
Tip-Off Time: 7:30 p.m.
TV Channel: SportSouth (Local in Atlanta), NBA League Pass
Radio: 92.9 FM (Atlanta Flagship), Atlanta Hawks Radio Network Affiliates
Live Stream: League Pass Broadband