Atlanta Hawks: 4 Keys to Victory vs. Cavaliers

Nov 18, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Sacramento Kings forward

(15) drives against Atlanta Hawks forward Tiago Splitter (11) in the first quarter of their game at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

START THE “BIG” LINEUP

This past week against the Brooklyn Nets, Head Coach Mike Budenholzer started Tiago Splitter for the first time alongside Al Horford and Paul Millsap in an effort to slow down Brook Lopez. It worked, until Splitter had to depart for the bench in the first quarter with two early fouls.

Bud should start the same lineup against the Cavaliers on Friday, especially with Kent Bazemore‘s status for the game uncertain. Splitter and Horford give the Atlanta Hawks a size advantage when matching up against Tristan Thompson, Timofey Mozgov, and Anderson Varejao off the bench, while Paul Millsap is fully capable of defending the wing against Lebron James, as he showed last postseason.

Millsap played well at the 3 on Tuesday, and with his three-point shot, makes him a legitimate option at the small forward position. The increased size of the lineup also bodes well for improved rebounding and a better inside presence on the offensive end.

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