When the Indiana Pacers and Atlanta Hawks met in the regular season match up; they split, 2-2. The Pacers are coming into this series fulfilling their regular season goal which was winning the top seed in the east. But the road to earn the top seed was a bumpy one for the Pacers. After an impressive start to the season at the All-Star break, the Pacers posted a record of 40-12 and were two games ahead of the Miami Heat. But then the unexpected happened and that was the free fall after the All-Star break.
Even though, the Indiana Pacers have the number one seed they are still not playing well as a cohesive unit. Both All-stars for the Pacers, Paul George & Roy Hibbert have struggled of late trying to find their offense. In the last three games of the regular season George is shooting 37 percent from the field. In five games in April, Hibbert is shooting a pathetic 25 percent from the field and is averaging just 2.4 rebounds this month.
Just when you thought Roy Hibbert’s problems could not get any worse he is playing against a team that poses a difficult match up for the big man. The last time these teams met was earlier this month on the 6th at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Roy Hibbert played a total of nine minutes and had more turnovers (1) than points, rebounds, assists and blocks for the game. The Hawks won the game 107-88.
The Atlanta Hawks are team that many thought were dead to rights at the beginning of the season because the team underwent a coaching change, lost its longest tenured player (Josh Smith) in free agency, and losing Al Horford; this team’s best player to a torn pectoral muscle in late December.
But 2014 All-Star, Paul Millsap has been a bright spot for this team this season and his play has propelled this team into the 8th seed. The Hawks use a small lineup, Kyle Korver is a three point specialist with the ability to put on the ball on the floor and can also be used as a weak side decoy on a number of their offensive sets. Jeff Teague has improved this season but still has times that make you want to scratch your head. The bench of this team is solid because of Lou Williams, former All-Star Elton Brand and Shelvin Mack.
The interesting matchup of this series between these two teams is Atlanta’s Pero Antic and Roy Hibbert. Antic is a stretch five that will drag Hibbert away from the basket and Antic can also put the ball on the floor and take advantage of Hibbert’s tired legs.
This is a significant matchup and one to watch because it could have a huge impact on the series. With that being said there are other smaller match-ups that will determine the outcome of this series.
George Hill has not done himself any favors with the Pacers faithful and his lack of confidence has been apparent of late. His play has affected the team because he is the point guard. He has done a good job of getting his team into their offensive sets, getting Hibbert high percentage shots and getting George easier shots. He has not been on the same page as his backcourt mate Lance Stephenson, who has been handling the ball more of late but still is unpredictable.
With all of the Pacers struggles of late on the court they also have been having problems off the court. Hibbert said there were “Some selfish dudes in here” in the Pacers’ locker room back in March, per ESPN & NBA.com, and earlier in the month in a loss to the Spurs a new problem arose. Brian Windhorst of ESPN:
“During a timeout in the second half, George Hill got into a verbal confrontation with Lance Stephenson on the bench and they had to be separated by teammates.”
With all the issues the Pacers are going through; they must put their petty issues aside and come together as a unit with something to prove against an inferior opponent. The Hawks are a sub .500 team playing in the preposterous and laughable Eastern Conference.
If the Pacers play like they did the first 50 games of the season they will easily advance to the semifinals. However if the Pacers play like they played the last 32 games of the season then anything is possible.
When it is all said and done, I believe the Atlanta Hawks lack of talent will not allow them to compete with the Pacers. Even though the Pacers are vulnerable, they have the talent, experience and defense to send the Hawks into the off-season.
Prediction: Pacers in five
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