10 Games To Watch In 2007-08

[DrReality]

by Micah Hart

Though last season began promisingly enough with a 4-1 start, a hail of injuries cast a pall over the entire campaign and kept the team from its goal of competing for a playoff spot. This year the Hawks hope to reverse the curse, and with a healthy roster take care of the business left unfinished from a year ago. With the continued maturity of players like Josh Smith and Marvin Williams, the quiet leadership of All-Star Joe Johnson, and a new infusion of talent from draft picks Al Horford and Acie Law, the team hopes to get back to the postseason for the first time in nine years.

There will be plenty of tests along the way though, that's for sure. Let's take a closer look at the Hawks schedule for 2007-08 season and see which match-ups Hawks fans should be circling on their calendars:

An Early Test (And A Big One At That)

Hawks vs Mavericks, Fri. Nov 2

The schedule makers didn't do the Hawks any favors with the start of their season, but hey - you gotta play the big boys at some point, right? Atlanta opens the season at home for the first time in six years with Dallas, a team that despite a spectacular playoff flameout a year ago still won 67 games. The Mavs will be out to prove that the end of the season was the fluke, not their record. A win here would give the Hawks a ton of confidence to begin the season.

The rest at:

http://www.nba.com/hawks/feature/10_Games_...tch_091207.html

[Diesel]

top ten games to watch and Why...

1. Hawks vs. Charlotte..

This game is probably the most weighty game we play. Our old rival and fellow cellar dweller. Both teams claiming Injuries for their misstep. JRich vs. JJ. Smoove vs. Wallace. Okafor vs. Horford. Claxton vs. Felton...

This should be a fight!

2. Hawks vs. Milwaukee.

This is a game about choices. They are our mirror image...

JJ vs. Redd (that was a choice). Bogut vs. Marvin (that was a choice). Horford vs. Yi (that was a choice). Smoove vs. Villanueva (not a choice, but an interesting matchup). And of course the return of ROYAL with Cheese!

3. Hawks vs. Indy

The pendulum game. Indy was on top and we were young. Now, since the fellout behind Artest, it's time for the Hawks to get back on top. However, Dunleavy, Diogu, Granger, and JO says "Not so fast my friend."..

4. Hawks vs. Magic

Two things: Smoove vs Howard in the battle for Atlanta. Lewis vs. Marvin in the battle for Seattle.'

5. Hawks vs. Golden State

The grudge match. We beat them twice last year. They went on to the playoffs and knocked off Dallas. Their uptempo play is to our strength!! This is the only team that makes Woody look like a good coach. Then there's the one matchup: Big Baby Al Harrington vs. Babyfaced Smoove!

6. Hawks vs. Philly

These two teams have been interconference rivals for the past 3 years. AI plays Atlanta as if he has something to prove. Hunter does also.

7. Hawks vs. Detroit

Woody's old team vs. Woody's new team. Flip was so kind as to not change the defense so that it would be familiar to Woody... The players play hard to prove to Woody that they are better than what he left.

8. Hawks vs. Hornets

Is it me or does Chris Paul bring it when he plays us? This game is a top ten because you have to see Chris Paul vs. Marvin Williams. Marvin gets another opportunity to prove that he was the right pick.

9. Hawks vs. Da Bulls

There's a little remnent odor of the Jordan and the Nique years. Now it's Deng vs. JJ. Who will triumph!!

10. Hawks vs. Celtics.

Not to conjure up Nique Bird... but Allen vs. JJ is going to be fun to watch. Smoove vs. KG is going to be fun to watch. Rondo vs. Speedy... Pierce vs. Marvin. Hawks Depth vs. Celtics Lack of Depth!!

[Zone034life]

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