Hawks, big fight in the East

After the fireworks last night, place for a small program tonight in the NBA, with only two games on the program. The good news? These two matches will be at interesting times for us in France, since the two matches will be played at the start of the evening. If the Wolves will have to confirm their good pass against the Pacers in total reconstruction after the departure of LeVert and Sabonis, Boston welcomes Atlanta in a play-in duel in the East, where the battle is raging for the last directly qualifying spot for the playoffs .

Boston must confirm

We are still far from the ambitions of the start of the season. But we are also far from the game offered at the start of the year. 7th, the Celtics did not imagine themselves so low in the standings on February 13, 2022. Unable to string together good performances, like their franchise player Jayson Tatum, Boston has risen somewhat from its ashes for a few weeks, with results a little more up to its standard. With seven consecutive successes, nine out of the last ten games, the players of Massachusetts can still hope, why not, to win a direct qualifying place for the playoffs. Indeed, the misadventures of the Nets opened a breach, leaving some teams the hope of winning 6th place. Currently occupied by the Raptors, this spot is in the Celtics’ line of sight, perfectly tied with the Canadians.

Above all, Boston gives the impression of being better, and the results prove it. But beware, apart from Miami, Udoka’s men have not faced league leaders. The two worst teams in the East, the Nets sick, the Wizards adrift, the Pelicans not on the level. Despite everything, we had to be able to take these games, Boston did it.

However, even if it remains in very correct standards, JT does not hover above the fray. No, if the Celtics are doing well, it is above all thanks to their collective: Marcus Smart, back from his injury, continues the good performances and turns into a real regulator of the game of his franchise. Robert Williams III asserts himself as a real weapon in the painting, whether in attack or in defense. Finally, Al Horford finds sensations, him the former. And his basketball IQ brought a real plus to his team. If it lacked perhaps a little size inside, Boston went to get it during the trade deadline by repatriating Daniel Theis, instead of an invisible Enes Freedom. What to go for the top 6 at the end of the season?

Atlanta, a comeback or nothing

This top 6, the Hawks also secretly aspire to. They too have been disappointing since the start of the season, they too are now running at full speed. Their series of seven consecutive victories at the end of January allowed them to catch up with the peloton, after having vegetated for a long time at the bottom of the table. Unfortunately, their chronic irregularity (four defeats in six games since this great series) has the effect of a ball hanging at their feet. This team, far too dependent on Trae Young and the general address of his shooters, must find other solutions.

If John Collins is on AC, the two interiors, Capela and Okongwu bring real solutions in the racket. The former Rockets is one of the best rebounders in the league and remains fond of pick & roll as he was used to on the Toyota Center side. The sophomore brings all his energy off the bench and Nate McMillan no longer hesitates to leave him on the floor at the end of the match, even if it means “sacrificing” the Swiss. Unfortunately, that’s not enough, and the Hawks are still in 10th place in the East. If behind, Knicks and Wizards seem too fair to pick up, getting Celtics and Raptors up to the top 6 may also be complicated. With five victories behind, it will take a real run to hope to pick up. Atlanta can afford it, but is it enough?

This season, the two teams have met twice, each time at State Farm Arena. Each time for the same result, an easy victory for the Hawks. Boston would therefore be well advised to go for a success this evening, because even if the two teams are currently far from being tied, if by chance they ended with the same record, direct confrontations would have a capital importance .. Boston is in shape, at home (four wins in a row), and must establish its ambitions. See you tonight at 8 p.m. for this tantalizing Boston Celtics – Atlanta Hawks.

THE PREVIOUS CONFRONTATION THIS SEASON

Atlanta Hawks / Boston Celtics : 108-82

Atlanta Hawks / Boston Celtics : 110-99

THE STATISTICAL LEADERS OF EACH TEAM

Points :

• Jason Tatum (Celtics) : 25.5 points

• Trae Young (Hawks) : 27.6 points

Bounces:

• Robert Williams III (Celtics) : 9.6 rebonds

• Clint Capela (Hawks): 12.1 rebonds

Passes :

• Marcus Smart (Celtics) : 5.4 passes

• Trae Young (Hawks) : 9.4 passes

THE NBA NIGHT PROGRAM

• 20h00 : Boston Celtics – Atlanta Hawks

• 21h00: Indiana Pacers – Minnesota Timberwolves

Photo credit: Masslive.com