The Atlanta Hawks appear to have a slight advantage as they are playing at home and will be returning from a four-day rest. The Spurs are masters of exposing an opponent’s weaknesses, though, and won’t be pushovers, especially with the Hawks missing Trae Young due to an ankle injury.
It’s also a clash of varying styles, with Atlanta head coach Lloyd Pierce being a disciple of the Golden State Warriors’ coaching tree and San Antonio having an old-school, all-time great maestro in Gregg Popovich.
Two key losses after a string of wins
The Spurs ran into back-to-back brick walls this past week. After former Spur, Kawhi Leonard, dropped 38 points and led the LA Clippers into a 103-97 win, they then got victimized by LeBron James’s all-around play, whose triple-double powered the LA Lakers to a 103-96 victory.
Following the pair of defeats, the Spurs fell into the middle spots in points per game (112.8, 14th), points allowed per game (109.8, 115th), and defensive rating (15th).
A good chance to bounce back
With the Hawks having a fast-paced style and a young, inexperienced core, which is in contrast to what the Clippers and Lakers had, the Spurs will have a good chance to regain their rhythm. LaMarcus Aldridge should have the upper hand in the low-post, while DeMar DeRozan will have an intriguing match-up against the Hawks’ wing players.
The Hawks have one of their wings cut off
Trae Young’s All-Star level of start got halted in the 106-97 loss to the Miami Heat on October 30th, where he got sidelined with ankle injury and took a big chunk of offensive production with him. Prior to the game, Young was pouring in 34 points, 7.3 assists, and 4.3 threes per game, all while shooting an impressive 50.2% from beyond the arc.
Who will step up?
Young’s running mate, John Collins, is eyed to take the place. The two had a promising 2018-19 season, with Collins breaking out for 19.1 points and 8.1 rebounds per game on 56%-shooting. His scoring has dipped a bit through five games this season (17.1 PPG) but considering the opportunities he’ll gain, it’s bound for an increase.
Former second overall pick Jabari Parker (13.8 PPG), who’s showing some resurgence after a couple of down years, is also expected to have an uptick in production, as well as back-up point guard, DeAndre Bembry, since he’ll be a starter for the time being. Bembry tallied 18 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists, and two steals in his start last Friday.
PREDICTION:
The Spurs should be able to win and expose the Hawks’ over-reliance on Trae Young. Look for Aldridge to have a big day.
