2016 NBA playoffs preview: Hawks vs. Celtics
The Celtics are one of those teams you simply don't want to face in the postseason. They play hard, they defend and given their youth, they have nothing to lose. Atlanta, on the other hand, is out to prove last year's Conference Finals run wasn't a fluke.
(4) Atlanta Hawks vs. (5) Boston Celtics
Hawks win series 4-2
Game 1 – Hawks 102, Celtics 101
Game 2 – Hawks 89, Celtics 72
Game 3 – Celtics 111, Hawks 103
Game 4 – Celtics 104, Hawks 95, OT
Game 5 – Hawks 110, Celtics 93
Game 6 – Hawks 104, Celtics 92
Season series: Hawks won 3-1
Hawks starting lineup: G Jeff Teague (15.7 ppg, 6.0 apg); G Kyle Korver (9.3 ppg, 3.3 rpg); F Kent Bazemore (11.7 ppg, 5.0 rpg), F Paul Millsap (17.2 ppg); C Al Horford (15.2 ppg, 7.2 rpg).
Celtics starting lineup: G Isaiah Thomas (22.2 ppg, 6.2 apg); G Avery Bradley (15.2 ppg, 2.8 rpg); F Jae Crowder (14.2 ppg, 5.1 rpg); F Amir Johnson (7.3 ppg, 6.4 rpg); C Jared Sullinger (10.4 ppg, 8.4 rpg).
Versatile Jae Crowder might be Celtics most important player
Hawks win if: They continue playing their brand of basketball. The Hawks play unselfish (they’re second in the NBA behind the Warriors with 25.6 assists per game), they have the second-best defensive rating in the league, and they’re surging. Atlanta is 15-7 since March 1, third-best among Eastern Conference squads, and Paul Millsap has found another gear of late. In April he’s averaging 19 points and 13.4 rebounds, giving Atlanta an inside presence to help complement its three point shooters. Don’t discount their postseason experience, either. This is a balanced, veteran team that knows how to win.
Waiting for last year's team to arrive, Hawks had to adjust
Celtics win if: They stop with their on-again, off-again defense. Their defense has typically been excellent this season, but lately, it’s been extremely unpredictable. They conceded 118 points in a recent loss to Atlanta, 114 in another loss to the Hornets, and fell 26 points behind the Heat in the regular season finale before rallying to win. Perimeter defense from Avery Bradley, Marcus Smart and Jae Crowder will be paramount to slowing Atlanta. As for Isaiah Thomas, the Celtics will need every bit of scoring they can wring out of him after he averaged nearly 26 points throughout March.
Need to know: Isaiah Thomas is just the third Celtics player ever (Bird, Havlicek) to have more than 1,800 points and more than 500 assists in a season.
The Hawks have nine consecutive playoff appearances, the longest active streak in the Eastern Conference.
Sam Amick's pick: Celtics in 7; Jeff Zillgitt's pick: Hawks in 7