The Atlanta Hawks finished the regular season on a rough patch, losing six games in a row.
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The Atlanta Hawks finished the regular season on a rough patch, losing six games in a row. Now, they’re just two wins away from making it to the playoffs. Thanks to the Eastern Conference play-in round, the Hawks have a fresh chance, and they’re gearing up to take on the Chicago Bulls this Wednesday night.
In the Eastern Conference, Atlanta (36-46) holds the 10th spot, while Chicago (39-43) sits at No. 9. The loser of Wednesday’s game gets knocked out. The victor moves on to challenge either the No. 7 seed Philadelphia 76ers or the No. 8 seed Miami Heat on Friday, battling for a playoff berth.
The Hawks are facing some tough times with key players out. Standout forward Jalen Johnson is dealing with an ankle injury, keeping him out for a while. Big man Onyeka Okongwu is also sidelined with a toe issue, and forward Saddiq Bey has been out for the season since injuring his knee five weeks ago.
For the Bulls, Ball, Bitim, LaVine, Phillips, and Williams will not be playing the game. Besides, Dosunmu and Drummond are questionable for the game. As for the Hawks, Bey, Johnson, Lundy, Matthews, and Okongwu will be sitting this one out.
Young just made a comeback after being out for 23 games because of a torn ligament in his left pinkie finger. In the last three games for Atlanta, he averaged 15 points and 10 assists. Even though his scoring was decent, Young was on a minute limit that got longer over time. He started with 21 minutes in his return, then went up to 27 and 32.
Chicago wrapped up the regular season with a tough 120-119 overtime loss to the New York Knicks. DeMar DeRozan put up 30 points, but he missed a crucial shot with just 2.8 seconds left in overtime. Despite the game not affecting the Bulls’ playoff standing, DeRozan was understandably upset about it afterward.
Chicago’s been without their star player Zach LaVine for the season due to a foot injury for almost three months now, but they’re in better shape health-wise compared to the Hawks. However, the Bulls might still be missing big man Andre Drummond, dealing with a sprained left ankle, and guard Ayo Dosunmu, nursing a bruised right quadriceps, as both are listed as questionable.
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