The Atlanta Hawks and Chicago Bulls have been hovering around the ninth and tenth positions for some time, making their play-in tournament matchup a predictable encounter. In this critical game, the losing team will be eliminated, while the winner will advance for another chance to secure a playoff spot.
Historically, Atlanta has a solid record in the play-in tournament, boasting three wins and no losses. They have previously triumphed over Charlotte and Cleveland, and although they lost to the top-seeded Miami Heat in the playoffs two years ago, they managed a win against Miami in the following season’s playoffs before falling to the second-seeded Boston Celtics. This season, the Hawks have struggled against the Bulls, losing two out of their three meetings.
Atlanta will be without Jalen Johnson, Onyeka Okongwu, and Saddiq Bey for this game, and the Bulls might miss Ayo Dosunmu and Andre Drummond due to their questionable status.
To secure a win, the Hawks need to focus on several key areas:
1. Dominating the three-point line: In their previous encounters, the Hawks’ success from the three-point range correlated with their victories. Their ability to outshoot Chicago from beyond the arc could be crucial.
2. Avoiding foul trouble: With limited options at forward due to injuries and roster decisions, it’s vital that players like De’Andre Hunter avoid fouls, especially since he will be tasked with defending key Bulls players like DeMar DeRozan.
3. Trae Young’s performance: Trae Young needs to outshine everyone on the court. Despite the challenge posed by defenders like Alex Caruso, Young’s track record in crucial games suggests he could play a decisive role.
4. Bench contributions: The game could hinge on the performance of bench players like Bruno Fernando, Garrison Matthews, and Wesley Matthews. Their ability to step up, particularly in defense, will be crucial for Atlanta to maintain a competitive edge throughout the game.
Overall, the Hawks need a focused approach in shooting, defending without fouling, and maximizing contributions from both their star player and the bench to keep their playoff hopes alive.
