Hawks & Bulls in Must Win Situation in NBA Play-in Tournament
The bright lights of the NBA Playoffs are just within reach for the Atlanta Hawks and Chicago Bulls, but first, they must navigate the pressure cooker of the Play-In Tournament. In a winner-take-all matchup on Wednesday, April 17th, at the United Center in Chicago, both teams will lay it all on the line for a chance to extend their season.
The winner of this matchup goes to play the Heat vs. 76ers winner to determine who gets the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference. Both the Bulls and Hawks are banged up and will have a tough time advancing if they make it to the NBA Playoffs. But they can cause some havoc as the Hawks have done the past couple of years.
Hawks Aim for Undefeated Play-In Record
The Hawks boast a perfect record in the Play-In Tournament, winning both appearances in their franchise history. Trae Young, the Hawks’ All-Star point guard, will be looking to continue that dominance. Young is a scoring machine, averaging 27.3 points per game this season, and his ability to create offense for himself and his teammates will be crucial.
However, the Hawks will be shorthanded. Key young players Jalen Johnson, Saddiq Bey, and Onyeka Okongwu are all out with injuries. This puts extra pressure on veterans like Dejounte Murray and Bogdan Bogdanovic to step up alongside Young. Murray’s playmaking and Bogdanovic’s shooting will be vital if the Hawks want to overcome the home-court advantage of the Bulls.
The Hawks decision to not sign Vit Krejci to a full NBA contract has baffled many fans, and pundits, alike. Krejci put in some meaningful minutes and had some big time plays for the Hawks after Young went down. Many say the Hawks wouldn’t have made the play-in tournament if it were not for him.
Bulls Look to Maintain Regular Season Edge
The Bulls hold the upper hand in the regular-season series against the Hawks, winning two out of their three meetings. DeMar DeRozan has been a force all season, averaging over 24 points per game. His ability to get to the basket and score in isolation will be a major test for the Hawks’ defense.
Zach LaVine, the Bulls’ other star scorer, has been battling knee issues, but if healthy, he adds another dimension to Chicago’s offense. The Bulls will also rely on their interior presence, with Nikola Vucevic patrolling the paint and looking to rebound effectively.
Keys to the Matchup
- Three-Point Battle: The Hawks are one of the better three-point shooting teams in the league. If they can knock down their open looks and limit the Bulls‘ success from beyond the arc, they’ll be in a good position to win.
- DeRozan vs. Murray: This matchup between DeRozan and Murray will be a battle of All-Star caliber guards. Limiting DeRozan’s scoring and forcing him to take tough shots will be a priority for Murray and the Hawks’ defense.
- Foul Trouble: The Hawks can’t afford to get into foul trouble, especially with their depleted roster. Staying disciplined defensively will be crucial to avoid sending the Bulls to the free-throw line frequently. Vit not being with the team could make this a hard thing to do.
Hawks vs. Bulls NBA Play-in Tournament Odds
Spread: Bulls -3 (-110)
Total: 225.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Bulls -143, Hawks +122
Prediction:
This is a close matchup on paper, but the Bulls’ home-court advantage and edge in the regular-season series give them a slight edge. DeRozan’s experience in these high-pressure situations could be the difference. However, if the Hawks can get hot from three and Young has a big scoring night, they can pull off the upset and maintain their undefeated Play-In record.
Final Score Prediction: Bulls 112, Hawks 108
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