The Atlanta Hawks improved to 5-7 with a memorable and impactful win over the Boston Celtics on Tuesday evening. Not only did Atlanta pull off one of the biggest upsets in recent NBA memory, but the Hawks also began their NBA Cup run with a notably strong result to give themselves a chance in pursuit of a trip to Las Vegas.
NBA Cup factors
Atlanta is 0-2 against Washington this season. Neither loss was terribly out of the ordinary given the team’s injury problems, but the Hawks would be 7-5 if they swept the Wizards and 6-6 if they had simply split the two games. Friday night marks the third of four games against Washington this season, and it is also an NBA Cup home game.
Realistically, the Hawks must go at least 3-1 in group play to have a chance to reach the quarterfinals. The biggest mountain was already climbed, but Atlanta does face Cleveland in two weeks, and the Cavaliers have been a juggernaut to begin the season. As such, the Hawks likely must take care of business in this game — and against Chicago next week — to reach their NBA Cup goals.
The Wizards are winless against teams other than the Hawks this season. Washington also has the NBA’s worst net rating and defensive rating. Atlanta will also have revenge on its mind in this one, and the Hawks are significant betting favorites.
Trae Young and De’Andre Hunter return
Trae Young was out of the lineup on Tuesday in Boston, and he was ruled out a day early with right Achilles tendinitis. It was the first listing of Young on the injury report this season, but the Hawks delivered no additional context or timeline. That left real uncertainty about his prognosis, but Young is off the injury report entirely for Friday, giving Hawks fans a sigh of relief.
De’Andre Hunter is also off the injury report and projects to return after an 11-game absence with a right knee issue. His knee is something to monitor all season long given a history of problems, but Hunter is a two-way forward that can provide real value for Atlanta. His shooting will come in handy on offense and, on defense, Hunter is a sturdy, sound option.
