The Eastern Conference Playoff race is becoming clearer now that five teams have punched their ticket; the Hawks are one of them. They have been in the post season now for four straight years, but are still searching for that big momentum shift to get them over them hump moving forward. Despite all of the celebration, however, the Cavs just might have caught them at the opportune time.
Atlanta has not won back to back victories in almost two weeks, and will be without leading scorer, NBA All-Star shooting guard Joe Johnson. Johnson strained his right thumb in the Hawks 98-87 win over New Jersey on Saturday night. And with that spot in the playoffs guaranteed, and an unlikelihood of catching Orlando, who leads Atlanta by six games, and thus gaining homecourt advantage in a series, the Hawks may use this chance to get healthy.
Advantage: Cavaliers. At least, we hope so.
The wine and gold shattered their seven game home slew with a 97-91 win over the Detroit Pistons. Big man J.J. Hickson is coming off of yet another double-double effort with 24 points and 15 rebounds. Baron Davis ‘s 3-point dagger and 16 points helped close out the Cavalier win. It was Davis's fifth game from returning to the team after the loss of his grandmother.
The Cavs fell to the soaring Hawks 100-88 in their last meeting back on November 2nd.