Even with injuries to key players, the Atlanta Hawks still managed to get a win on Friday against the Portland Trail Blazers as they extend their streak to 18 games. Both DeMarre Carroll and Thabo Sefolosha suffered injuries in the game and are now uncertain in the coming days. The Hawks will try and get win No. 19 straight as they prepare to play the Philadelphia 76ers at home.
The Hawks are looking to match the fifth-longest win streak in NBA history which is 19 games. AFter getting the 105-99 win over Portland, they officially have the best record in the NBA after getting just 36 wins total last season. Things got close on Friday as the Hawks trailed at halftime, but a 36-25 fourth quarter secured the victory. Now, the teams ranks third in the league in both defensive and offensive efficiency since their last loss in December.
Atlanta relied heavily on their depth to beat the Trail Blazers. Both Carroll and Sefolosha are not expected to play against the 76ers. Shelvin Mack is also injured with a strained calf muscle. That left players like Kent Bazemore to put up 12 points in 40 minutes which is a career-high. He paired with Paul Millsap's 21 points and Al Horford's 17 points to get the win. Those players are taking care of the front court while perimeter shooting has been key.
During the win streak, the Hawks are shooting 40.8 percent from beyond the arc while averaging 10.7 per game. Kyle Korver continues to lead the league in three point shooting while Mike Scott is also dominating from beyond the arc. Jeff Teague is lone struggle for the team. The point guard is getting shots when needed but only shooting 38.5 percent over the last seven games.
Atlanta will be wise to not look over the Philadelphia 76ers who are currently on a two-game win streak and playing with confidence. Michael Carter-Williams got 17 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds in the win over Minnesota on Friday. It was his third triple-double of the season and fifth of his two-year career.
