The fourth-seeded Hawks will try to make it two in a row on Tuesday over the fifth-seeded and visiting Boston Celtics, who will be without guard Avery Bradley due to a “significant” hamstring injury suffered late Saturday. This season his offensive game has taken a huge step and he has become one of the better 3-and-D players in the league. But the Pacers won the next two and ended the Hawks’ playoff aspirations… again in just 6 games.
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They almost claimed it anyway on their first night in Atlanta, shaking off another dismal showing in the first half: 12 of 52 shooting (23 percent) and a mere 2 of 16 beyond the arc. The over/under total for the contest has been set at 205.5 points. Memphis is severely overmatched thanks to a rash of injuries, and that showed in a 106-74 loss in Game 1 on Sunday.
“You also go through how you’re going to rotate the second group, which is probably the most challenging part”, Stevens said.
The C’s have failed to reach 40 points during each of their last two first halves. “We’ll see if it’s good or not”.
A look at the two games on Tuesday.
After he left, the Celtics couldn’t slow down Jeff Teague from scoring nine of his 23 points to help Atlanta escape with a 102-101 Game 1 victory at home.
Olynyk admitted that he’s not certain he’ll be able to play in Tuesday’s Game 2, but more clarification on that front should arrive after the Celtics complete their morning shootaround. “He’ll continue to get treatment around the clock and go from there”.
Bradley isn’t the only one hurting for the Celtics. Also, forward Jae Crowder is still trying to get back to full speed after a sprained right ankle kept him out for eight games near the end of the regular season. Our little slogan is ‘(We’re) one superstar.’ It’s us as a team.
Stevens said Saturday that Bradley “heard a pop” after landing awkwardly while defending a layup attempt by Hawks guard Jeff Teague with seven minutes remaining.
In the last four games Bradley missed this season, Evan Turner started in his place and played 36.5 minutes per game – eight more than his season average.
Meanwhile, Hawks lead assistant Kenny Atkinson got some good news in the middle of the series.
“We’re always more focused on what we need to do, regardless of who we’re playing”, Budenholzer said.
Isaiah Thomas is right: the Celtics absolutely can not afford for Bazemore to have a big series, especially since they’re so outmatched in the frontcourt.
The Grit-n-Grind Grizzlies have been anchored for years by Randolph, Marc Gasol and Mike Conley.
Randolph was held to just six points on 3-for-13 shooting in Game 1. James Young, a second-year swingman, is another option.
“Keep their head up”, Randolph said.
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Teague found open teammates to the tune of a game-best 12 assists.
