Nets vs. Hawks: Let's Play Two for Brooklyn and Atlanta
There will be something new in Brooklyn this week as the Nets play consecutive games against the Atlanta Hawks at Barclays Center on Wednesday and Friday. These short, two-game series’ that will pop up throughout the season are part of the NBA’s effort to limit travel during the coronavirus pandemic, and in doing so it also makes it a little easier to fit in the 72-game schedule on a compressed timeline.
The Hawks, who finished 20-47 last season, have jumped out to a 3-0 start. They’ve been explosive offensively so far, leading the league in points (124.7), offensive rating (119.9), and true shooting percentage (63.5). True shooting percentage factors in 3-pointers and free throws, and the Hawks lead the league in free throws attempted (33.0) and made (28.3).
Jarrett Allen has opened the season by attacking the offensive boards, and that’s helped make him seventh in the league in total rebounds per game with 11.8 through the first week of action. Allen has had at least three offensive rebounds in every game, and he’s tied for second in the league with 4.3 offensive rebounds per game. He’s increased his offensive board work over each of his last three seasons, with a career-high 3.1 per game in 2019-20, and he’s taken another leap so far this season with aggressive play.
Previewing Atlanta’s challenge in defending the Brooklyn Nets offense
After an impressive 3-0 start, the Atlanta Hawks will face their biggest challenge of the young season as they play consecutive games in Brooklyn against the Nets. Brooklyn has been impressive to this point in the season, and the Nets feature two of the best offensive players in the league, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.
How the Hawks will choose to defend Brooklyn will be impacted, especially, by which players are available to play at the power forward and center positions. Clint Capela played for the first time this season against the Detroit Pistons on Monday evening, and he is listed as probable for Wednesday’s game. Danilo Gallinari has missed the last two games, and he is listed as questionable for the first tilt on Wednesday.
Otherwise, De’Andre Hunter and Cam Reddish will surely be relied upon for critical defensive roles as Atlanta plans to defend Brooklyn’s dynamic offensive players. In addition, Solomon Hill could be in line for a significant role.
Vegas has us at a +200 on the ML and a +6 point underdog. That’s a pretty respectable line for us considering we are on the road. I would have though possibly +8 or 8.5. GO HAWKS!!! Trae vs the dude who think the world is flat and lights fires around the court.
Re: Game Thread: Hawks @ Brooklyn Pt 1
Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2020 10:11 pm
by Spud2nique
Jamaaliver wrote:Gallinari and Capela both expected to play. That’ll be huge against the BRK Frontcourt of Durant, DeAndre and Jarrett Allen.
Spud2nique wrote:Vegas has us at a +200 on the ML and a +6 point underdog. That’s a pretty respectable line for us considering we are on the road. I would have though possibly +8 or 8.5. GO HAWKS!!! Trae vs the dude who think the world is flat and lights fires around the court.
That line is right where it needs to be, you guys are a damn good team.
Good game yall, goddamn you guys have some SHOOTERS. I love your team, you've got some solid players across the board, they need to put you guys on national TV instead of the garbage ass Warriors because your squad is legit.
Fun game, looking forward to Friday's rematch. Stay safe and I hope Gallo will be alight.
Re: Game Thread: Hawks @ Brooklyn Pt 1
Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2020 2:54 am
by Spud2nique
We looked really good. There will be losses but I couldn’t stop smiling all night. Young kids are growing up. Hunter, Cam. Bogi and Rondo are gonna be a problem for people if and when we make the playoffs.
Get better Gallo. Go Hawks. 3-1 not too shabby get ready for these guys again in 45 hours. Game ball to Collins and Bogi tonight.
Re: Game Thread: Hawks @ Brooklyn Pt 1
Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2020 3:19 am
by Radioblacktive1
JC looked like a completely different dude out there. I need that all the time.
