The Atlanta Hawks continue to halt the progress the Brooklyn Nets have been making to secure a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The team currently sits at No. 7 just one game against of the Boston Celtics and two behind the Milwaukee Bucks. They were in the midst of a six-game win streak that was promptly cut short after the Nets got blown out by the Atlanta Hawks. However, as the two teams prepare to face off one more time, the Hawks will be without three key players giving the Nets the edge.
Atlanta already has the Eastern Conference No. 1 seed locked in, but late season issues could be halting their progress for the playoffs. The teams is playing once again without Paul Millsap who injured his shoulder against the Nets during their home game over the weekend and they will also be without Pero Antic and Thabo Sefolosha who were arrested early Wednesday morning. Both players were reportedly involved situation that saw Pacers star Chris Copeland get stabbed and will not be available for the game.
The Nets are hoping to bounce back after an ugly loss to the Hawks on Saturday that saw the team down by as many as 39 at one point as Atlanta went on to get the 131-99 win. The Nets also lost to the Hawks on Dec. 5 and Jan. 28, but they are hoping to get the final win of the series after coming off a win against the Portland Trail Blazers. Brooklyn looked impressive in the game as Brook Lopez put up 32 points while averaging 26.2 points on 60.7 percent shooting. Deron Williams added another 24 points and 10 assists as he currently averaging 22.8 points in his last four games.
The Hawks did not have any problems missing Millsap as they beat the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. Jeff Teague, DeMArre Carroll and Mike Muscala each had 16 points in the win while Al Hordford added 14 points in just 25 minutes of play. They will be relied upon heavily as the Hawks suddenly have depth issues.
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