The Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks play four games this week, three at home. Usually schedules cannot get more favorable than that, but two of their games are against two of the best defenses in the NBA.
The Celtics always get fired up to play Atlanta. Do not be surprised if the Hawks’ guards also struggle against the Toronto Raptors. Kyle Lowry is a tough individual defender when he is motivated and the Raptors have the size to suppress the Hawks’ perimeter attack.
When the Hawks play against the Pacers (arguably the best defense in the league) the only player I believe has a favorable match-up is Josh Smith. Paul George is quick enough and long enough to keep up with him. However, Smith has a major strength advantage. If the Pacers try to use David West or Tyler Hansbrough, Smith is quick enough to slide by them.
The Boston Celtics
The Celtics also have four games; expect a big week of production.
Twice they face off against the Knicks, who started off the year playing excellent team defense but have fallen off into their offensive-minded ways. In addition, Tyson Chandler is still out for an undisclosed amount of time.
The Celtics also face the Cavaliers and the Hawks. With or without Kryie Irving and Dion Waiters, the Cleveland defense remains a disaster. Play your Celtics this week as their stars should give you highly efficient play and their bench may see extended minutes.
The Sacramento Kings
I know, I know, I am surprised that I am mentioning them too. For whatever reason, the Kings have been playing inspired ball of late. In six of their last seven games, the Kings have scored over 100 points. The only game they did not was against Denver.
The Kings play three games this week, two on the road. Tyreke Evans could still be in for a big week. He is playing better lately and in a contract year. Golden State might be playing without Curry, the Suns defense is porous (to be generous) and the Kings could run some plays to get Evans isolated against the older, slower, smaller and defensively inept Steve Nash.
Last year Isaiah Thomas really heated up at the end of the season. Do not be surprised if he has a repeat performance. Both guards are a good gamble this week.
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