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.
On to New York
Nov 6, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) dribbles against New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges (25) during the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | Dale Zanine/Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
The Atlanta Hawks are gearing up for a pivotal clash against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday. This NBA Cup quarterfinal is set to be the most significant game of the season for the Hawks. A win in New York propels them to Las Vegas for the semifinals, while a loss means a Sunday matchup against Orlando. The atmosphere is expected to be electric, with playoff-level intensity.
Reflecting on Past Encounters
Reflecting on the Hawks’ previous encounter with the Knicks, it’s clear that the team has the capability to secure a victory. Five weeks ago, the Hawks triumphed over the Knicks in Atlanta, despite being seven-point underdogs. The game was a nail-biter, with neither team leading by more than eight points. The Hawks’ defense was commendable, although the Knicks’ 22 successful three-pointers kept the game close. The Hawks’ ability to dominate the possession battle was crucial, as they managed to secure 19 more shooting opportunities than the Knicks.
Zaccharie Risacher’s standout performance, scoring 33 points on 22 shots, was a highlight of that game. Despite the backcourt struggles, with Dyson Daniels and Trae Young shooting a combined 10 of 37, the Hawks’ offensive resilience shone through. The team’s ability to capitalize on second-chance points and maintain a low turnover rate were key factors in their victory.
Injury Concerns and Team Dynamics
Injury concerns loom over the upcoming game, with Jalen Johnson and Bogdan Bogdanovic listed as questionable. Their presence could significantly impact the Hawks’ performance, as the team has struggled without Johnson on the court. The Hawks’ depth will be tested, but even if both players are absent, the team is in a better position than during their last encounter with the Knicks.
The Knicks, on the other hand, are largely healthy, with their top six players available. However, their depth remains a concern, as they rely heavily on a limited rotation. The Hawks’ ability to exploit this could be a deciding factor in the game.
The Hawks’ recent success when key players like Bogdanovic and De’Andre Hunter are available is promising. With a record of 7-3 when both play, the team is clearly more formidable with its full roster. The Hawks’ strategy will likely focus on maintaining their defensive intensity and capitalizing on offensive opportunities, especially from beyond the arc.
As the Hawks prepare for this crucial matchup, the excitement is palpable. The team is eager to prove themselves on a big stage and advance in the NBA Cup. For more insights and a deeper dive into the Hawks’ strategies and expectations, tune into the Locked On Hawks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Hawks Podcast:
- The impact of a light schedule on the Hawks’ performance
- Player and team perspectives on the NBA Cup’s significance
- Injury updates and their potential effects on the game
- Analysis of the Knicks’ offensive and defensive strategies
- Keys to victory for the Hawks against the Knicks
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) waves to the crowd after making a three point shot in against the New York Knicks in the fourth quarter during game five in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. | Wendell Cruz/Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
A strange development of last night’s first round of quarter finals matchups is that I wasn’t anticipating having my heart break for the Orlando Magic. What an effort by a team that has been told over and over again that they are both down and out, and still refuses to acknowledge the veracity of either point.
Orlando’s game against Milwaukee felt contentious, engaged, and energetic, a game with stakes. The NBA Cup has been drawing out competition across the board but I have to give the Magic credit for showing up on the stage the tournament set. That was all them, and all heart.
But enough gushing (for now), onto tonight’s final two games.
Atlanta Hawks vs. New York Knicks
There are a handful of athletes in the NBA, anywhere really, comfortable with playing the villain. Trae Young is one of them. Young has leaned into every opportunity to add fuel to the fire of Knicks’ fans disdain for the showy shooter, a grudge going strong since the 2021 playoffs.
It’ll be tougher for Young to take a bow against this Knicks team.
Though they were slower to get on the same page, Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns have synced up as maybe the best and most overpowering offensive duo in the league. The Knicks are first overall in points scored per 100 possessions since the start of this season, and second overall in their effective field goal percentage. In their efficiency differential — points per 100 possessions minus points allowed — they trail only the heavy hitters of the season: OKC, Boston, Cleveland and Memphis. Things are clicking in New York.
The Hawks have had a string of injuries, notably Jalen Johnson and Bogdan Bogdanovic/ De’Andre Hunter and Young himself are both listed as probable for the game in New York. The silver lining, beyond whatever happens inside Young’s brain when he gets within the municipality limits for New York City, is that the Hawks have a 5-1 record against the Cavs, Celtics, Knicks and Bucks this season — this team loves to play up. They’ve also taken a defensive jump, are 6th in the league for offensive rebounds thanks to Johnson, rookie Zaccharie Risacher has been a boon, and Atlanta doesn’t mind playing the pest.
Whether this will be the kind of number found on Broadway or off, it’ll be a show.
Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets
What the Rockets aren’t generous about is their defence — the team is one of the most smothering defenders in the league. What they are generous about have been their fines, with head coach Ime Udoa and guard Fred VanVleet ponying up (you’ll be happy to know all fines go to charity). Houston will need all of its efforts in the former to beat the Warriors tonight.
Where the Rockets can’t do much defensively has been way out in the offensive no man’s land of the floor, the place where Steph Curry thrives. The Warriors have a 15 game winning streak going against Houston, largely because of Curry, in general, and lately because of where he capitalizes his efforts against a young team he can easily disorganize with his disruptive shooting.
Houston’s opportunities come in second chance points when they blitz the glass, in pressuring turnovers, and in playing very close basketball. The Rockets are one of the worst shooting teams in the NBA and yet, they’ve made it work, digging in to make every possession matter. The Warriors are in a slump, but the duo of Curry and Draymond Green can make light work of any team when they’re on the floor, Jonathan Kuminga continues to climb, and head coach Steve Kerr’s said that Andrew Wiggins should see minutes tonight.
Udoka called the Rockets last game against the Warriors, when they were thoroughly pummelled, one of the team’s “softest games” since his arrival, so there’s plenty of incentive for Houston to take the win tonight. Those are also the kinds of games, and hopes, that Steph Curry loves to snuff out like a candle.
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 are seeing significant progress with their No. 1 overall pick, Zaccharie Risacher. His development is promising for the team’s future. (AJC)
Preview The Hawks head to New York to take on the Knicks in the NBA Cup quarterfinals. Read the preview.(NBA)
Thursday, Dec. 19 | 7:00PM | Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX | Get Tickets
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Takeaways From Tuesday’s NBA Cup Games
Dec 10, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots over Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) and center Dereck Lively II (2) during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images | Alonzo Adams/Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
NBA Cup Quarterfinals: Winners, Losers, and Fantasy Takeaways
Two of the four NBA Cup quarterfinal games are in the books, and it’s time to dissect the outcomes and what it means for fantasy managers.
One of the most pressing issues is the status of Immanuel Quickley. Despite the frustration surrounding his limited playtime due to injury, I firmly believe in his potential as a top 50 player this season. However, if you’re struggling with multiple injuries on your roster, it might be time to reconsider holding onto him. Evaluate your roster carefully and weigh Quickley’s potential against the immediate needs of your team.
Scottie Barnes’ situation is equally concerning. Although initial X-rays were negative, the possibility of a Lisfranc injury looms large. If confirmed, this could sideline Barnes for a significant portion of the season. Fantasy managers should brace for his absence and explore alternative options to fill the void.
Waiver Wire Trends and Player Evaluations
The waiver wire has been buzzing with activity, and several players have emerged as hot commodities. Kelly Olynyk’s rise in popularity is likely a response to Barnes’ injury, but his role remains uncertain. While Olynyk is a solid fantasy option, his long-term value is questionable given his defensive limitations and the presence of younger, more versatile players.
Cole Anthony’s recent performance has sparked debate among fantasy managers. Despite a lackluster shooting night, the decision to add him was sound, given the Magic’s need for shot generation. It’s crucial to focus on the process rather than the immediate results when evaluating players like Anthony. His role may fluctuate, but the potential for future contributions remains.
Click the button below to get a full breakdown on who fantasy managers should keep an eye on after last night’s games.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Hawks podcasts.
NBA Cup mailbag and Knicks preview Topics include a look ahead to Wednesday’s NBA Cup quarterfinal matchup between the Atlanta Hawks and the New York Knicks, how a lighter week on the schedule could impact the Hawks, what the first game between Atlanta and New York could foreshadow for the rematch, the injury situations on both sides, keys to victory, and much more.
Crossover NBA Cup quarterfinal preview with Locked On Knicks Brad Rowland is joined by Gavin Schall of Locked On Knicks for a crossover conversation to preview the upcoming NBA Cup quarterfinal matchup between the Atlanta Hawks and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
Winning streak ends for Hawks with blowout loss to Nuggets Topics include an ugly shooting performance, the inability to slow Nikola Jokic, injury absences for Jalen Johnson and Bogdan Bogdanovic, rotation decisions, and much more.
