Brad Rowland here, the host of the daily Locked On Hawks podcast, with your daily Locked On Hawks newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Hawks and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
A badly needed win for the Atlanta Hawks
Nov 3, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels (5) dunks the ball against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images|Stephen Lew/Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
The Atlanta Hawks snapped a four-game losing streak with a commanding 126-111 victory against the New Orleans Pelicans. This win was crucial, especially considering the Hawks’ recent struggles and injury issues. The game was marked by a strong second-half performance, where the Hawks shot an impressive 69% from the field, showcasing their offensive prowess.
Key Performances and Game Dynamics
Trae Young and Jalen Johnson were instrumental in this victory. Young, who has been leading the league in assists, continued his stellar play with 23 points and 12 assists. His ability to control the game, especially in the third quarter, was a significant factor in the Hawks’ success. Johnson, on the other hand, delivered a near triple-double performance with 29 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists, proving his value on both ends of the court.
The return of Dyson Daniels after a two-game absence due to a hip flexor injury was another highlight. Daniels’ defensive skills were on full display, contributing to the Hawks’ improved transition defense. His presence on the court was a game-changer, as he helped limit the Pelicans’ offensive opportunities.
Despite missing key players like Zion Williamson, the Pelicans managed to keep the game competitive in the first half. However, the Hawks’ depth and resilience shone through, particularly in the second half. The team capitalized on the Pelicans’ turnovers, converting them into 24 points, and dominated the paint with 66 points.
Injury Updates and Player Contributions
The Hawks were without several players, including Bogdan Bogdanovic and De’Andre Hunter, but the available roster stepped up. Clint Capela was solid defensively, helping the Hawks maintain a strong presence in the paint. Larry Nance Jr. also made significant contributions in his return to New Orleans, particularly with his energy and scoring off the bench.
The Pelicans, dealing with their own injury woes, were without five of their top seven players, including Williamson and Dejounte Murray. This gave the Hawks an edge, but they still had to execute their game plan effectively to secure the win.
Looking ahead, the Hawks face a quick turnaround with a game against the Boston Celtics. This matchup will be challenging, especially with the Celtics’ strong roster, but the Hawks’ recent performance provides a boost of confidence.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Hawks’ strategies and player performances, tune into the Locked On Hawks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Hawks Podcast:
- Detailed player evaluations and their impact on the game
- Analysis of the Hawks’ defensive strategies
- Injury updates and their implications for upcoming games
- A look at the Hawks’ upcoming schedule and key matchups
Reflections from Vince Carter’s jersey retirement night
The Toronto Raptors retired Vince Carter’s jersey on Saturday night. The ceremony came during half time of the Raptors-Kings game, where an emotional Carter and his family watched a banner with his number and the iconic photo of him mid-between-the-legs-dunk rise up to the rafters in the arena it all started in for him. That moment marked a culmination. Of a career, of a person’s trepidatious relationship with a city and its fan base, of a distinct era of NBA basketball and identity of a franchise, but also of a month’s worth of moments for Carter.
The Raptors made the announcement at a community basketball court dedication to Carter in late September, where franchise president Masai Ujiri thanked Carter for all he did to inspire the game in Canada and put the Raptors franchise on the map. “Time heals things,” Ujiri told the crowd before he confirmed Carter would be the first player in team history to have their number retired. Carter was overcome and fought back tears as he thanked the crowd, Ujiri and the city.
The tributes continued. Carter had an airplane dedicated to him by one of the country’s major airlines, Air Canada, in a nod to his nickname of the same. A mural was unveiled in downtown Toronto, and it was announced Carter would join as a broadcaster to provide coverage for select games this season — also the Raptors 30th anniversary season.
Given the host of accolades and recognition, I found it telling when Carter sat down in front of assembled media prior to Saturday night’s game for a pre-ceremony presser, and said he wasn’t sure what to expect of the night but encouraged everyone to “live in the moment”. I asked him, in light of every tribute and celebration thus far, how he was doing that or if his perception of the moment changed. He laughed. “I’m fighting,” he admitted.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Analysis
The Atlanta Hawks snapped their losing streak with a dominant second half, defeating the New Orleans Pelicans 126-111 to regain momentum. (Sports Illustrated)
Preview The Hawks host the Celtics tonight at 7:45 p.m. Check out the betting odds, lineups, and how to watch. (Yahoo Sports)
Biz The NBA intentionally scheduled no games on U.S. Election Day (E! News)
Analysis What happens to Damian Lillard if Giannis Antetokounmpo leaves the Bucks? (CBS)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Paul George’s Return Is A Huge Fantasy Basketball Boost
Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) dribbles against the Atlanta Hawks in the second quarter at State Farm Arena.|Photo by Brett Davis-Imagn Images
As we wrap up another thrilling week in the NBA, it’s time to delve into the latest injury updates and player performances that could impact your fantasy basketball strategy. With only three games on Sunday, the anticipation builds for an action-packed 15-game day. Let’s explore the key developments and what they mean for your fantasy lineup.
Injury Updates: Key Players to Watch
Zach LaVine’s shoulder issues continue to be a concern, leaving his status questionable. This ongoing problem could affect his availability, so keep an eye on updates. Meanwhile, Rudy Gobert’s ankle sprain opens opportunities for Naz Reid and Luka Garza, especially in deeper leagues. With Aaron Nesmith out and Andrew Nembhard questionable, Ben Mathurin and Jarace Walker are set to see increased roles, potentially stepping into starting positions or gaining extra minutes.
Lauri Markkanen’s return from back spasms is imminent, which is great news for fantasy managers. In Philadelphia, Joel Embiid’s absence isn’t surprising, but Paul George’s expected return is a significant development. Despite being listed as questionable, reports suggest George is ready to play, albeit with a possible minutes restriction. This isn’t a long-term injury, so expect him to be back in full swing soon.
Player Performances: Who’s Stepping Up?
The Detroit Pistons secured a road win against the Brooklyn Nets, showcasing improved play compared to last season. Jalen Duren stood out with a solid performance, contributing 13 points, 17 rebounds, four assists, and three blocks. His increased minutes were partly due to Isaiah Stewart fouling out, but it’s a positive sign for Duren’s fantasy value.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Hawks podcasts.
Shooting nightmare sends Hawks to loss in San Francisco The show focuses on Wednesday’s game between the Atlanta Hawks and the Golden State Warriors, including Atlanta’s clean injury report, a shooting nightmare for the Hawks, encouraging defense, a total collapse at the end of the first half, and much more.
Hawks bounce back with roller coaster win over Kings The show focuses on Monday’s game between the Atlanta Hawks and the Sacramento Kings, including the surprise absence of Jalen Johnson, the return of Bogdan Bogdanovic and Kobe Bufkin, a lights-out start, a three-point shooting barrage by Sacramento, De’Andre Hunter’s strong play, Trae Young’s passing brilliance, Dyson Daniels sealing the game, and much more.
Third quarter disaster, turnover issues doom Hawks in road loss to Blazers The show focuses on Sunday’s game between the Atlanta Hawks and the Portland Trail Blazers, headlined by a disastrous third quarter and widespread turnover issues for Atlanta. Topics also include rough late-game execution, defensive rebounding problems, the return of Vit Krejci, and much more.
