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.
Getting ready for Hawks-Bucks in Las Vegas
Dec 11, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward De’Andre Hunter (12) celebrates his three point shot against the New York Knicks during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner/Brad Penner-Imagn Images
As the Atlanta Hawks gear up for a crucial NBA Cup semifinal against the Milwaukee Bucks in Las Vegas, there’s a lot to unpack about their recent performance and what it means for their future. The Hawks have been a team of contrasts this season, showing resilience in the face of injuries and managing to maintain a winning record despite a negative point differential.
Understanding the Hawks’ Point Differential
The Hawks’ current negative point differential has raised eyebrows, especially given their winning record. This discrepancy can be attributed to a combination of early-season injuries and a bit of luck in close games. The team has excelled in clutch situations, boasting an 8-5 record in such games, which has helped offset their overall point differential. However, the absence of blowout victories and a few significant losses have kept their net rating in the negative.
Injuries have played a significant role in this dynamic. Key players like Bogdan Bogdanović and De’Andre Hunter have missed games, impacting the team’s performance. The Hawks’ worst losses this season occurred when they were missing crucial players, highlighting the importance of a healthy roster. When the team is at full strength, they have shown they can compete with the best, as evidenced by their recent 7-1 run.
Defensive Improvements and Key Players
Defensively, the Hawks have made notable strides. They’ve been performing at a top-10 level over the past few weeks, a significant improvement from previous seasons. This defensive uptick is largely due to having their core players available. When the Hawks have their regular rotation, their defensive rating improves significantly, placing them among the league’s better teams.
The presence of players like Dyson Daniels and Jalen Johnson has been crucial. Daniels’ defensive prowess and Johnson’s rebounding and playmaking abilities have been instrumental in the Hawks’ success. The team’s depth, while sometimes inconsistent, has also been a factor in navigating the challenges posed by injuries.
Looking ahead, the Hawks’ ability to maintain their defensive intensity and manage injuries will be key to their continued success. The upcoming game against the Bucks will be a test of their resilience and adaptability. With the right lineup and a bit of luck, the Hawks have the potential to make a deep run in the NBA Cup.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Atlanta Hawks’ strategies and performance, tune into the Locked On Hawks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Hawks Podcast:
- Analysis of the Hawks’ recent victory over the New York Knicks
- A look at the NBA Cup bonus structure for players on two-way contracts
- Preview of the Hawks’ upcoming matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks
- Discussion on the impact of Chris Middleton’s return for the Bucks
- Insights into the Hawks’ possession battle and its significance
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) in action against the Atlanta Hawks in the second quarter at State Farm Arena. | Brett Davis/Brett Davis-Imagn Images
I was going to write about the NBA Cup semi-finals today but Milwaukee head coach, Doc Rivers, beat me to it by putting it all pretty succinctly with this:
“I mean, we’re gonna bring our wheelchairs to the cup because we have these three young teams. You know, everybody’s — Atlanta is young, Oklahoma is young, Houston is young. Then here comes the old Milwaukee Bucks, wheeling in. That’s what we are gonna be. We’re gonna just wheel in our wheelchairs and come in on our canes and see if we can just play some basketball. That’s what we are gonna do.”
So instead, let’s talk about superstars and trades. Not because any are going to be traded, but because the allure of the possibility of people like LeBron James and Jimmy Butler — people who create their own gravity — has once again hit peak saturation in NBA discourse.
The Heat floated the idea of a Butler trade, either directly or indirectly, and speculation over which team would make a ready destination followed suit. These things tend to go like dominoes — one of Butler’s favourite pastimes — but in terms of veracity, look no further than Butler’s own agent quashing the speculation. Yes, things have read as weirdly remiss in Miami, especially involving Butler, going back to team president Pat Riley’s end of season press conference. In it, Riley seemed to suggest the Heat were behind Butler so long as he was behind them. It’s a statement that should be self-evident, which is why it’s worth taking a second look at.
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
Replay Trae Young and Jalen Johnson delivered noteworthy performances as the Atlanta Hawks faced the New York Knicks in the NBA Cup. Their efforts were pivotal in the team’s latest outing. Game recap highlights key moments and player quotes. (Peachtree Hoops)
Biz The Atlanta Hawks have significant financial stakes in the NBA Cup, with substantial prize money and revenue opportunities on the line. This competition could impact the team’s financial outlook. Learn more about the potential earnings. (AJC)
Ranking The Atlanta Hawks are evaluated in the latest NBA power rankings as the NBA Cup reaches its semifinals. These rankings provide a snapshot of the team’s current standing. Check the rankings to see where the Hawks rank. (Bleacher Report)
Analysis The Atlanta Hawks receive mid-season report card grades, assessing their performance so far in the 2024-25 NBA season. This detailed evaluation highlights strengths and areas for improvement. Review the grades for a comprehensive analysis. (Bleacher Report)
Must Read The best defense in the NBA is 4,500 screaming maniacs, or how the Clippers built the best home court advantage. (WSJ)
Analysis Even the Wizards are surprised they’re losing like this. (The Athletic)
Rumor NBA trade intel on Lakers, Pelicans, Warriors, Heat, Hawks and more from two ESPN insiders.
Award Did you know? PrizePicks is the best place to cash in on your sports knowledge. All you have to do is correctly pick More or Less on a couple of player’s stats and then watch the money roll in. Prove your knowledge on PrizePicks.*
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Hawks @ Spurs
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Grizzlies @ Hawks
Saturday, Dec. 21 | 7:30PM | State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA | Get Tickets
Timberwolves @ Hawks
Monday, Dec. 23 | 7:30PM | State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA | Get Tickets
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
What To Do With Portland’s Centers In Fantasy Basketball
Nov 22, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan (23) handles the ball against Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr (10) during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images | Erik Williams/Erik Williams-Imagn Images
Portland’s Center Conundrum
Portland is currently a hotbed of uncertainty, especially concerning their center position. With Deandre Ayton battling an illness and Robert Williams III and Donovan Clingan both questionable due to injuries, fantasy managers are left in a bind. The likelihood of all three playing is slim, making it a gamble to stream any of them. If you’re considering adding Williams or Clingan to your roster, be prepared for a potential last-minute change. This situation highlights the importance of staying updated with player statuses, especially when dealing with teams like Portland, which can be notoriously unpredictable.
Injury Updates and Player Performances
Injuries are an inevitable part of the NBA season, and they can significantly impact fantasy lineups. Stephon Castle’s unexpected absence due to a shoulder issue has opened up opportunities for other players. Devin Vassell might see increased minutes, and if he starts, it could be challenging to move him back to the bench. Meanwhile, Zach Collins’ absence in San Antonio means Charles Bassey could be a valuable stream option for those needing a big man.
The Utah Jazz are also dealing with injury woes, with Lauri Markkanen managing a lower back issue and Jordan Clarkson’s status remaining questionable. Markkanen’s potential absence could lead to increased roles for players like Johnny Juzang or Micah Potter, but the situation remains fluid. Fantasy managers should be cautious and consider steering clear of the Jazz’s lineup until there’s more clarity.
In Los Angeles, LeBron James is officially out with a foot injury, which could mean more opportunities for Rui Hachimura and Dalton Knecht. Nikola Vucevic’s illness adds another layer of complexity, and if he’s out, Jalen Smith becomes a viable streaming option.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Hawks podcasts.
Looking ahead to Hawks-Bucks in Las Vegas Topics include the recent play of the Atlanta Hawks, how the team’s defense has excelled once injuries subsided, Saturday’s NBA Cup matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks in Las Vegas, what the first meeting between the teams could signal in the rematch, and much more.
The Hawks are Las Vegas bound after an impressive victory in New York The show breaks down the NBA Cup quarterfinal matchup between the Atlanta Hawks and the New York Knicks, including Atlanta’s high-level defensive performance, dominance on the margins, Trae Young’s impressive third quarter, Jalen Johnson’s return, an excellent stretch from De’Andre Hunter, the next steps for the Hawks in the NBA Cup, and much more.
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.
