When: 8:00 PM EST; Wednesday, January 28th, 2015
Where: Philips Arena; Atlanta, GA
TV: ESPN/YES
In less than a week, the Nets have had a key player’s season cut short, lost back-to-back games by at least 35 points, questioned their current coach, almost traded another key player and had a game postponed due to a blizzard. Additionally, they have lost 10 of their last 12 games and are now ninth in the Eastern Conference, behind the surging Charlotte Hornets. Not too good.
On the contrary, the Nets’ opponent for tonight, the Atlanta Hawks, have had no such trade talks, injuries, questioning of their coach or weather issues. They have won 16 games in a row, are undefeated in the new year and have lost just three games since November 18th. That’s not a mistake. Basically, the Hawks have lost one game per months over the last three or so months. In comparison, the Nets have lost 20 games in that same timespan.
Clearly, something is clicking in Atlanta. Mike Budenholzer, the Hawks’ second-year coach and Gregg Popovich disciple, has found a way to make a team, without any discernible superstars, into the best team in the NBA. Players like Jeff Teague, Paul Millsap and Kyle Korver are having career season as Atlanta rolls through both conferences, crushing most teams in its path.
On Wednesday in the Peach State, the Nets will have to find a way to stop the nearly unbeatable Hawks and their multi-pronged and incredibly efficient offensive and defensive attacks. Oh, and do all of that without Deron Williams (rib) yet again.
Probable Lineups
BKN- Jarrett Jack (PG), Alan Anderson (SG), Joe Johnson (SF), Kevin Garnett (PF), Mason Plumlee (C)
ATL- Jeff Teague (PG), Kyle Korver (SG), DeMarre Carroll (SF), Paul Millsap (PF), Al Horford (C)
Final Thoughts
Yeah, I don’t see the Nets winning this game. On the bright side, Mason Plumlee and Bojan Bogdanovic were picked for All-Star Weekend’s Rising Stars Challenge and Plumlee was chosen for the Slam Dunk Contest. Hey, it’s nice to get some positive news for once.
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