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 grueling week on the horizon for Hawks
Mar 30, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Bogdan Bogdanovic (13) is defended by Milwaukee Bucks guard Pat Connaughton (24) in the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports | Brett Davis/Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
The Atlanta Hawks enjoyed a travel day on Tuesday, but events around the NBA had a direct impact on the team’s near-term future. While Atlanta already won East Group C as part of the 2024 NBA Cup, the team’s next step in that event was uncertain until the results of Tuesday’s action.
Ultimately, the Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, and Orlando Magic clinched trips to the quarterfinals in the East, joining the Hawks in the four-team battle on one side of tehe NBA Cup bracket. The Hawks will face the Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 7:00 pm ET, with the winner taking on either the Bucks or Magic in the semifinal in Las Vegas on Saturday, Dec. 14.
If the Hawks do not win that game in New York, they will face either the Bucks or Magic in a make-up game at State Farm Arena on Sunday, Dec. 15.
What a schedule
There may be more difficult stretches when it comes to opponent quality, but the Hawks are about to enter perhaps their most high-profile gauntlet of the season. On Wednesday, Atlanta faces the Milwaukee Bucks in a battle between the two Eastern Conference teams with the longest active winning streaks.
From there, the Hawks return home to face LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday. While the Lakers are not a top-tier team right now, the NBA’s most popular franchise brings with it a different level of attention. Then, the Hawks take on Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets on Sunday evening in Atlanta before heading to New York for the team’s first national TV game of the season in the NBA Cup quarterfinal.
Needless to say, the Hawks will learn a lot about themselves in the next week and, well, the national public will learn more about the Hawks as well.
Dec 1, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) attempts to secure the ball away from Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) and guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina/Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
The first thing I saw when I woke up this morning was a clip of Rockets coach, Ime Udoka, stalking toward referee John Goble and subsequently getting himself ejected. Udoka was incensed over the refs not calling a foul on behalf of Alperen Senguin, who drove to the basket through multiple instances of contact (and shoving) from Kings big, Domantas Sabonis.
The next thing I saw was a report that Rockets forward Tari Eason had run up into the stands after the game’s final whistle to confront a fan who heckled him as he was exiting through the tunnel.
As my brain stirred with the smell of coffee and I read about martial law unfolding and quickly thwarted by protestors and the political opposition in South Korea, I toggled my basketball opinion from This seems serious to It’s really not, regarding all the emotions spilling out on-court last night. This is what, by design, the In-Season Tournament was made for.
This part of the NBA season typically saw a taper of audience attention. The piqued interest of the season getting underway wanes, partially due to the predominantly American audience choosing NFL football over mid-week basketball. The NBA’s Christmas Day slate of games sees a viewership spike but otherwise the “stakes” don’t feel compelling to the casual fan until All-Star, and then again as the playoffs approach. Team owners and the Board of Governors panicked and thus: The NBA Cup was introduced.
Domineering corporate interest aside, the happy side effect of the In-Season Tournament has been higher stakes across the board, and not just from prize incentivization for players (though Josh Hart admitting he just wants a watch is also pretty funny). Young teams, teams on the competitive verge, and teams that may have been considered write-offs to start the season have for the most part used their NBA Cup nights as test runways for playing on a bigger stage and at a higher level. It didn’t necessarily work out for all of them (I had high hopes for the Spurs), but a glance at the Cup’s quarter finals bracket reveals a varied and interesting field of teams.
It’s both preposterous and cool that Warriors vs. Rockets is now a potential Western Conference playoff preview, and that the same goes in the East with Bucks vs. Magic. The Hawks and Knicks will be reunited in their rivalry, and the budding friction between the Mavs and Thunder, through the pestering of Luka Doncic by players who’ve all taken a page from his offensive book, is going to be a lot of fun to watch.
Friction, in good competition, is inevitable. It’s also partially the point. Certainly, coaches shouldn’t make a habit of hounding refs around the court but friction and competition, and friction in competition, don’t need to be negatives.
Two great examples of the symbiotic relationship between the two came in last night’s slate of knockout games. First, with the always expressive Draymond Green unable to hide his disdain from the sidelines as Nikola Jokic grabbed his face after coming down from collision under the rim with 14 seconds left in the game. Green was less actually distraught than sporting a classic “I’m not mad, just disappointed” look.
The second came in the chippy, high-intensity Rockets-Thunder match-up, with Dillon Brooks and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander getting tangled up with each other when they both clamped down on the same loose ball. Neither let it go and they both went careening into the Rockets bench, with their teammates swirling behind. It eventually broke up in laughter because neither of them could keep a straight face, having as close a relationship as they do as teammates for Canada Basketball. When the refs swooped in en masse, Brooks and Gilgeous-Alexander assured them they were cool, everything was fine, and the game continued.
These are games that have gone from weeknight skips, better to relive watching through their highlights the next day, to must-see matches. The stakes range from funny to secondarily furious, tense to over-the-top; are stakes that still only exist in the insular world of NBA basketball, but there are stakes. It’s early December, and we have stakes.
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
Preview The Atlanta Hawks are set to face the New York Knicks in the NBA Cup quarterfinals. (Peachtree Hoops)
Honor Former Hawks All-Star Paul Millsap has announced his retirement. Celebrate his illustrious career and contributions to the team in this heartfelt tribute. (AJC)
Analysis Tari Eason and Amen Thompson’s defensive abilities are unmatched. (Defector)
News LeBron James is in one of the worst outside shooting slumps of his career. Is playing in all 82-games still doable? (ESPN)
Milestone The 4x NBA All-Star and 16 NBA season vet, Paul Millsap, announces retirement. (ESPN)
Ticket Booth
Presented by
Hawks @ Bucks
Wednesday, Dec. 04 | 7:00 PM | Fiserv Forum (Milwaukee, WI) | Get Tickets
Lakers @ Hawks
Friday, Dec. 06 | 7:30 PM | State Farm Arena (Atlanta, GA) | Get Tickets
Nuggets @ Hawks
Sunday, Dec. 08 | 6:00 PM | State Farm Arena (Atlanta, GA) | Get Tickets
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
NBA Fantasy Basketball: Key Takeaways from Tuesday’s Games
Dec 3, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) falls to the ground after rolling his ankle against the San Antonio Spurs in the first half of an NBA Cup game at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas/Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Kevin Durant’s Ankle Injury: What It Means for Fantasy Managers
Kevin Durant’s recent ankle injury is a significant concern for fantasy basketball managers. Durant, who has been a cornerstone for many fantasy teams, left the game after just 16 minutes, scoring 13 points with four rebounds. This re-aggravation of a previous injury could mean time on the sidelines, impacting his availability in the coming weeks. Fantasy managers should consider potential replacements or temporary fill-ins, such as Grayson Allen or Royce O’Neal, who might see increased roles in Durant’s absence. However, neither is a must-add in standard leagues, but they could provide short-term value in deeper formats.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Charlotte Hornets: Player Performances
In the clash between the 76ers and Hornets, Paul George’s resurgence was a highlight. Despite playing 37 minutes, George’s performance—29 points, eight rebounds, and six three-pointers—showed signs of his former All-NBA self. However, with a back-to-back game on the horizon, his availability remains uncertain, making it crucial for fantasy managers to monitor his status closely.
Tyrese Maxey’s shooting struggles continued, but his ability to contribute in other areas, such as free throws and defense, keeps him relevant in fantasy lineups. Meanwhile, Kelly Oubre Jr. delivered a solid outing with 14 points and four three-pointers, making him a viable short-term option.
Charlotte Hornets’ Frontcourt Dynamics
The return of Mark Williams was a notable development, albeit with limited minutes. This situation presents a sell-high opportunity for Nick Richards, who posted an impressive 22 points and 14 rebounds. While there’s a chance Richards could outperform Williams, the Hornets’ long-term plans likely favour Williams, making Richards a potential trade candidate for savvy fantasy managers.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Hawks podcasts.
Hawks hold serve against Pelicans for 4th consecutive win The episode focuses on Monday’s game between the Atlanta Hawks and the New Orleans Pelicans, including Atlanta’s perimeter shooting and ball security struggles, the return of Dejounte Murray, strong defense, Dyson Daniels being Dyson Daniels, a stellar Clint Capela game, and a fourth straight victory.
Atlanta Hawks escape with ugly victory in Charlotte for third straight win Episode 1857 centers on Saturday’s game between the Atlanta Hawks and the Charlotte Hornets, including strong defense, encouraging work from Zaccharie Risacher and Kobe Bufkin, Jalen Johnson playing at a high level, turnover problems, the absence of Bogdan Bogdanovic, and much more.
Hawks finish NBA Cup group stage with second straight win over Cavs The show focuses on Friday’s game between the Atlanta Hawks and the Cleveland Cavaliers, including a stellar defensive performance, NBA Cup implications, Jalen Johnson’s star-level play, a big game from De’Andre Hunter, quality efforts from the centers, and much more.
