The Celtics travel to Atlanta tonight to take on the Hawks for the first time this season. Even though it is Friday the 13th, Boston hopes to avoid any bad luck and come away with a win.
After a victory on Wednesday against the Wizards, Boston travels south to take on the number four seed in the East. It should shape up to be a challenging game for the visitors. Atlanta made some moves in the offseason, getting rid of fan favorite Al Horford and sent Jeff Teague to the Pacers. Horford is now a member of the Celtics, and tonight’s game marks the first time he will face his former team. Atlanta’s biggest move was signing Dwight Howard to a four-year deal. This signing helped to fill the void left by Horford.
Unfortunately for Atlanta, they have lost a key player in the last few weeks in Kyle Korver. He was traded to the Cavaliers in exchange for Mike Dunleavy and Mo Williams. The trade mostly worked in Cleveland’s favor, but the Hawks were able to unload Korver before his free agency. This enables them to get some value for him, including a first round pick from the Cavs. How this will affect them in the short term has yet to be seen, as the Hawks have only played three games since his departure.
On the plus side, Atlanta is riding a hot streak. Currently on a seven game win streak that dates back to December, the Hawks hope to keep the momentum going against the C’s.
Boston is coming off another win on Wednesday and sit one place ahead of Atlanta in the East. However they are a little banged up. Amir Johnson missed the game against the Wizards, and Avery Bradley has been sidelined with an achilles injury. This leaves the responsibility to bench players to fill in. Marcus Smart has played above expectations, with Terry Rozier and Jordan Mickey also contributing.
With Horford’s homecoming being the headliner fotr tonight’s game, the Celtics are hoping to put the distractions aside and take care of business.
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