Dec 26, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Jarrett Jack (1) and Atlanta Hawks point guard Jeff Teague (0) at Quicken Loans Arena. The Hawks beat the Cavaliers 127-125. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Things haven’t been looking to great for the Atlanta Hawks (32-42).
After a 105-92 loss to the Chicago Bulls Wednesday that pushed them percentage points behind the New York Knicks (33-43) and “out” of the playoff picture, Atlanta badly needs a win. Given they’re opponent tonight–the surging Cleveland Cavaliers (31-45)–that notion is especially true.
The Cavs have been on a tear lately, winning five of their last six games, and are on the outside of the playoffs looking in. It’s certainly not too late for the Hawks to stop their skid and reclaim a spot for the dance at the end of April, but they need to get some wins now.
They have beaten the Cavaliers in their previous six meetings, but the Hawks have lost seven of their last eight games and continue to blow early leads. In addition to all of this, Kyrie Irving is back for the Cavs. In 28 minutes against the Orlando Magic Wednesday, Irving scored 17 points on 7-8 shooting, dished out a game-high eight assists, hauled in six rebounds and added a steal for good measure. Jeff Teague’s going to need to bring his A-game in this one.
For the first time in what seems like ages, Vegas has the Hawks as favorites in this one. 1.5-point home favorites to be exact, but I’m not buying anything from this team until they show some life.
Be sure to follow us on twitter (@ATLBeatBlog) for more information, and check back tonight for a full game recap.
Date: April 4, 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