The Atlanta Hawks are counting on quality play from their scorers along with big plays from their bench to pull them through the second half of the season and into the post season. Currently holding an eight game lead in the Eastern Conference, the Hawks hit a sluggish stretch right before and right after the All-Star break. Hoping their recent win breaks them out of it, the team prepares to host the Orlando Magic on Friday night.
The Hawks put on a strong showing against the Milwaukee Bucks and Dallas Mavericks to try and breakout out of sluggish play that saw them get held to just 90 points or less in losses. Dennis Schroder is certainly helping the effort off the bench. The point guard put up 12 points and nine assists against the Bucks to follow that up with 17 points against the Hawks. When scoring at least 11 points in a game, the Hawks are 16-2 thanks to Schroder.
Schroder is a strong compliment to the Hawks starting five who are averaging 71.8 points per game. Lately, Paul Millsap has been leading that charge with 16.8 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. In his past two games, he has combined for 38 points and 24 rebounds. In the previous four games before that, Millsap had hit a slump, averaging just 11.3 points on 36.7 percent shooting. His success over the past two games paired with Schroder has kept the Hawks' heads above water.
Orlando got the win in their most recent game against the Hawks thanks to a Tobias Harris buzzer-beater shot for the 100-99 win. Millsap only had nine points in that game, but put up 23 in the Dec. 12 matchup. Orlando is currently trying to snap their six-game road losing streak, while Atlanta has won eight of their last nine home games against the Magic. Orlando is coming off a loss to Miami, failing to complete a four-game homestand sweep. They have the talent to beat the Hawks, but must be able to apply it on the road.
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