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Playoff Preview and Game Thread #2.1: Atlanta Hawks @ Cleveland Cavaliers

Atlanta Hawks 2nd round playoffs Game #1
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0-0
0-0
Quicken Loans Arena
May, 5th 2009, 8:00 PM
TNT, Hawks Radio NetworkNBA Audio League Pass
Probable starters:
Mike Bibby PG Mo Williams
Joe Johnson SG Delonte West
Marvin Williams?
SF LeBron James
Josh Smith PF Anderson Varejao
Al Horford C Zydrunas Ilgauskas

 

 

Hawks Injury Report: Marvin Williams should play, but I do not know whether he will start.

Cavs Injury Report: JJ Hickson and Lorenzen Wright are out. 

Blogging With the Enemy: Fear the Sword

Predicted bane of the Hawks existence: LBJ

Game Preview:

Did you know the Cavs and the Hawks have one the exact same amount of games in this year's playoffs? What about the fact that the Hawks played the better team last round? Were you aware that the series is currently 0-0?

I believe there is a saying that goes something like "and that is why they play the game." Yea, well that expression has been thrown out for this series. And those questions, yea no one cares how you answer them. The Cavs already won. Just an FYI before you waste your time watching this game.

Really, the build up is a bit ridiculous. LeBron is a world beater. At this point, a five game series would be an indictment on the Cavs. In every sense of the phrase, the Hawks have nothing to lose. You would think they won 25 games during the season.

Do I think the Hawks will win this series? No way, no how. Do I think they can win this series? Yes sir. And that right there is apparently enough evidence to put me in the loony bin. And I would not have it any other way. I didn't start a Hawks blog to look more sane. The hope may be drying up but the kool aid is still pouring fresh.

Five keys to the game:

  1. Anderson Varejao may average four charges a game this series. Josh Smith may have 1.5 technicals. But if Josh can control his game and emotions, he has the athleticism to eat up Mr. Anderson. And he needs to for a Hawks victory.
  2. A very close to healthy Marvin Williams and Al Horford.
  3. No triple double for LeBron. Yes, I actually think this is a key.
  4. All-star Joe.
  5. Rebounds. The Cavs are much bigger so it is going to take hustle, determination, and focus. Something the Hawks do not like doing unless they are being loudly cheered for it.

So much to comment on so little time. It is the second round of the playoffs against the best team in the league. Lets get to it. Go Hawks!