NFL Tickets
The Boston Celtics will host the Atlanta Hawks tonight in a match-up that is surely enticing and filled with storylines. The two teams find themselves in familiar positions one again, as they both are within more than striking distance of catching the lucky fourth seed in the Eastern Conference.
The Hawks seemingly overachieved in a big way earlier this season getting out to such a fast start.
They were a team that was relieved by the exit of their big money maker in Joe Johnson, but needless to say, the Hawks were brought back down to earth soon enough after such an unlikely fast start. The Hawks certainly “seem” like they should be a feared team in the playoffs right? I mean, a front line of Al Horford and Josh Smith should instill fear in any opponent, right?
It’s something that doesn’t get talked about enough, but here it is: The Hawks are basically fighting for a home court advantage that they don’t even have.
It’s unfortunate, but also true. For some reason, whenever the Celtics travel to Atlanta, there is certainly no shortage of green shirts in the crowd. Tonight will certainly be no different; but all drama aside, this should be a game that has a playoff like feel to it.
The Celtics are looking for a fifth straight win that would move them up to a season-high seven games above .500.
The Hawks, meanwhile still seam to be searching for who they are. Even while having an almost guaranteed spot in the playoffs, they are still a team in transition.
It’s starting to look like Horford may be more valuable to the organization than Smith. It’s pretty much assumed that Smith will walk his way to a max deal come July, but that doesn’t necessarily put the Hawks in a rebuilding stage, but more so a transitional stage in which they start to focus their franchise around a guy that is having a phenomenal season, and is also three years younger than Smith.
The Celtics will be a lot less afraid of Smith tonight than they will be of Horford, who is by far the best big man in the East despite never getting the deserved attention. Over his last 10 games, Horford has been on an absolute tear, averaging 24 points per game to go along with 11.4 rebounds, four assists, two blocks all in a very respectable 38 minutes per game.
Horford has been a Celtic killer at times. At 6-foot-10, and incredibly mobile and quick for a guy his size, he’s certainly not showing any signs of stopping. Most likely, the Celtics will go with Kevin Garnett, who does have an inch on Horford, but will still have his hands full with the younger Hawks big man.
This is a huge game for both teams, and big minutes from Garnett will be vital if the Celtics want to extend their streak to five tonight.
It wouldn’t be a shock to me if tonight was finally the night Doc Rivers gave Jeff Green the start over Brandon Bass. Bass has been inconsistent and a liability in this recent stretch, and the Celtics could certainly use Green’s length and offensive abilities.
The Celtics will host the Hawks once more this month on the 29th. These next two March meetings in Boston will be crucial to both teams’ hopes at snagging a higher seed.
Eric St. Cyr Covers the Boston Celtics for Rant Sports. Follow Him on Twitter @EricJsaint
Share 
