After a few days off from barely getting by the T-Macless Rockets, the Spurs (8-2) face the Atlanta Hawks (3-6) tonight in Atlanta.
For the Hawks, they come into tonight’s game losing 4 of their past 5 games. They are led by Josh Smith who just averages 6.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.6 blocked shots in five career games against the Spurs. He’s never scored more than 10 points against them. However Smith has been injured lately (quad injury) and is said to be at 80% health. Now in his fourth season, he has been scoring (19.4), assists (3.4), steals (2.4) and blocked shots (3.6). Talk about fantasy numbers!
The Hawks have posted wins this season against some of the NBA’s best teams, including home wins against the Suns and Mavs, so the Spurs cannot let their guard down.
For the Spurs, they have dominated the Hawks in recent years. The Spurs have won 14 of 18 games against the Hawks including both meetings last season by 10 points. They cannot let complacency set in. This Hawks team is dangerous. They are athletic and can pose huge match-up problems for the old legs of the Spurs. The Hawks, Josh Smith, has put up big numbers this season including a 38 point performance against the Bucks.
Key matchup tonight will be Duncan vs. Smith. Duncan has gotten the better of Smith, averaging 21.6 points, 11.0 rebounds and 1.6 blocks against the Hawks and Smith. However, Smith is more agile and quicker and can get Duncan in foul trouble.
Expect an upset tonight as the Hawks pull the win.
