Peachtree Hoops: Preview: Hawks look to keep rolling vs. Grizzlies

[Hawksquawk]

Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Hawks (27-24) will look to end their latest winning streak to five games Wednesday evening as the Memphis Grizzlies (25-23). Memphis comes into the contest on somewhat of a hot streak of their own, winners of seven of their last ten games including their last three. The Hawks come in riding a four-game winning streak, and the hottest shooting quarter in NBA History in Tuesday’s win over the New Orleans Pelicans.

Atlanta comes into Wednesday evening with sole possession of the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference, one game ahead of the Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat, while the Grizzlies are holding down the No. 8 spot in the West.

A win vs. Memphis would mark the Hawks’ eighth straight win at home. Atlanta has made a notable turn around since the beginning of March, winning 13 of their last 17 games and catapulting themselves up the standings in the process.

The Hawks sit as the tenth ranked team heading into Wednesday’s action with a +2.0 net rating, while the Grizzlies sit 12th with a +1.3 net number. All things considered, these two young teams are very similar and on a trajectory to participate in the postseason behind the strength of their young cores.

It will be interesting to see the pair of young star guards Trae Young and Ja Morant clash with both of their teams heading into tonight’s action playing well. While they are in opposing conferences, they came into the league around the same time (Young in 2018, Morant in 2019), and they will often be compared to each other throughout their careers. So far, Morant is 2-1 vs. Young, but Young and the Hawks did win the lone matchup between the two teams this season back in December.

Injuries

For Atlanta, De’Andre Hunter (right knee soreness), John Collins (left ankle sprain), Kris Dunn (right ankle surgery), and Cam Reddish (right Achilles soreness) remain out. Danilo Gallinari (left ankle soreness) is listed as questionable on the second night of a back-to-back set.

For Memphis, De’Anthony Melton, Brandon Clarke, Justise Winslow and Jaren Jackson Jr. are unavailable to play. All four players also missed the Grizzlies’ win over Miami on Tuesday.

The Line

The Hawks currently sit as a three-point favorite over Memphis. Both teams have injury issues and rest concerns on the second night of a back-to-back, though the Grizzlies had to travel between games, giving Atlanta a bit of an edge.

Stay tuned throughout the day.

Game Info

Game Date/Time: Wednesday, Apr. 7, 8:00 pm ET

Location: State Farm Arena

TV: Bally Sports Southeast, NBA League Pass (out of market)

Radio: 92.9 The Game (Atlanta); Hawks Radio Network

Streaming: Fox Sports Go

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