WHO: Philadelphia (0-1) at Atlanta (1-0)
WHEN: 7pm
WHERE: FSN South, Hawks Radio Network, NBA Audio League Pass
Injury/Suspension Report: Barring a report to the contrary, I'll assume Speedy Claxton is out.
For Entertainment Purposes Only: Atlanta -3.5, 194 o/u
Blogging With the Enemy: Liberty Ballers
At the risk of puncturing the bubble of good feeling following that fine opening night win on the road, here are a few things I saw in that game which keep my optimism as the cautious variety.
- Defensive rebounding: Problem for the Hawks or full credit to Dwight Howard? Either way, this is an area in which the 2008-09 Hawks must improve upon the 2007-08 edition. I'd like to see Marvin Williams lead the way.
- Long 2-point field goal attempts: They are anathema to an efficient offense. These are the shots a defense wants to force you into taking. Don't do the defenders' job for them. I would rather Josh Smith take 150 three-pointers than 75 three-pointers and 75 22-foot two-point jumpers.
Philadelphia's playing the back end of a back-to-back tonight having handled the Knicks 116-87 in Philadelphia last night. The ease with which they won (and the lack of impediments the Knicks defense provided) probably means the Hawks can't rely on Philadelphia having heavy legs. But that's just my opinion. Micah Hart got Larry Drew to open up about breaking down the Sixers.
I'll be at the game (and I don't own one of them fancy hand-held devices) so I'm leaving this game thread completely in your hands. Enjoy.