The Wizards head into the Peach State on a 6 game-losing streak but face a familiar foe in the Atlanta Hawks. At 2-8, the Wizards only two wins came at the hands of these very Hawks but the third meeting won’t be as easy. The Hawks are ready and looking for a little getback. The Hawks just beat the juggernauts of Boston and have now set their sites on the young but unproven Wizards. Next is my keys to development.
(Keys to development)
1. Overall team defense
Wizards need to lock down the paint, close out to shooters, and get back on defense. The Hawks are 9th in the NBA in points, averaging 116 points per game. They are also 5th in the NBA in assists.
Matchup to watch- Bilal Coulibaly vs Trae Young
2. Ball movement
The Hawks love to steal the ball and do it well—so well, in fact, that they’re second in the association. Ball movement has to be fluid, especially in transition.
3. Rim protection
The Wizards are a really good paint-defending team. Defending the paint and winning the battle of rebounds will give the Wizards an edge over Atlanta.
Prediction- Wizards lose a close one
