For the first time in nine games, the Atlanta Hawks are looking to get back on track. The team saw their win streak come to an end after falling to the Orlando Magic thanks to a Tobias Harris buzzer-beater shot. Atlanta was in the middle of their longest win streak in 17 years while beating opponents by an average of 14 points. However, now they must return to home court and face the Chicago Bulls to get a new win streak going.
The Hawks were thriving during their win streak, averaging 105.4 points per game while shooting 49.5 percent. However, in the past three games the team has gotten into a funk, averaging just 93.7 points per game on just 40.3 percent shooting. In their past three home games, the team has not shot any better than 41.8 percent which must change if they are going to get past the Bulls. Jeff Teague and Al Horford have been carrying the weight but in the loss to Orland, the rest of the team shot just 35.3 percent while going 6 for 23 from beyond the arc.
The Hawks are trying to become known more for their defensive efforts. The team is limiting opponents to just 85.8 points on 39.8 percent shooting during the win streak which also includes teams going 28.8 from beyond the arc. That is the opposite of what Chicago is doing. They have been thriving on offense instead of defense thanks to injuries. Reigning Defensive Player of the Year Joakim Noah has been out for the past three games with ankle issues and could miss the game against the Atlanta Hawks. He is averaging 14.8 points and 12.5 rebounds against the Hawks in four games last season.
Meanwhile, Jimmy Butler and Derrick Rose are paving the offensive path. Rose is averaging 22.7 points per game in his last three games. Butler is putting up 21.3 points in his last 10 games.
Watch Hawks vs. Bulls live stream, click here.
