Hawks vs Nets preview: Atlanta looks for season sweep in Brooklyn

The Atlanta Hawks look to deal another blow to the Brooklyn Nets' playoff hopes Wednesday night when the two teams wrap up the season series in Brooklyn. Atlanta has taken all three meetings between the two teams this season including a 131-99 blowout this past Saturday. That game is their only loss over their last eight which has helped Brooklyn climb to seventh in the Eastern Conference standings.

Atlanta came into Saturday's game well rested after three-straight off days. The Nets on the other hand were finishing up a four games in five nights stretch. The Hawks won't have the benefit of the schedule working for them on Wednesday as they will be on the second night of a back-to-back while Brooklyn hasn't played since Monday.

Atlanta played without the injured Paul Millsap in Tuesday's 96-69 win over the Phoenix Suns. The Hawks flexed their defensive muscles allowing the Suns just 26 points in the second half. Mike Muscala started in place of Millsap and finished with 16 points and seven rebounds on 7-8 shooting. After a bit of a lull, Atlanta looks like it is getting back locked in with the playoffs right around the corner.

People looking for answers for the Nets' good run of late need look no further than the play of center Brook Lopez. Brooklyn bounced back from Saturday's blowout loss in Atlanta by defeating Portland on Monday. Lopez led the way with 32 points and is averaging more than 26 points a game over his last 11 games. Atlanta held him to just 11 points on Saturday and keeping him in check will be key once again.

Game Info

Game Date/Time: Wednesday, April 8, 7:30 p.m. ET

Location: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York

TV: SportSouth

Radio: 92.9 "The Game" FM