LIVE: Can Hawks continue to overcome odds vs. Celtics?
Any predictions on how this scoreboard will read at the end? List them below.
(Updated: 6:10 p.m. with Ray Allen’s status and Hawks’ lineup.)
No Al Horford. No Zaza Pachulia. No chance?
Not quite.
Maybe you wouldn’t know it by looking at some of the series predictions. On ESPN’s “expert picks,” 12 pick the Celtics and one who didn’t get the memo took the Hawks. The biggest reason is that the Hawks look like an entry in a 6-foot-and-under league (relatively speaking). Center Al Horford (pectoral) likely out for the whole series. Backup Zaza Pachulia (foot) is doubtful. (Coach Larry Drew after the morning shoot around: “He’s sitting out there with a boot on his foot, so that’s not a good sign.”)
But it’s worth noting this is not a dominant Celtics team. They grind out wins. Their average per-game point differential of plus-2.52 ranked only 11th in the league. Their best three-point shooter, Ray Allen, is out with an ankle injury tonight and is questionable for the series.
What the Celtics do have is a playoff resume. They have won nine of 12 series in the last four years, including all four in the first round. But this is a winnable series for the Hawks.
Here’s Drew when asked about the Hawks’ injuries: “I’m actually not concerned at all. We’ve played without both guys a number of games. Would we like to have them? Yes. But we’ve had some success without them. They’re a part of who we are but we’ve managed to move forward with both guys being out.”
A couple of keys:
• Jeff Teague: If we assume Josh Smith and Joe Johnson are what they are in this series, Teague can be the X factor. We saw the impact when he emerged in the second round against Chicago last season, and he has been the Hawks’ most improved player this year. The fact Teague will be opposite Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo elevates his importance even more. By the way, Steve’s Hummer’s piece on Teague in today’s AJC is worth a read.
• Bench: The Hawks are obviously undersized without Horford and Pachulia but what they do have is depth. The biggest keys: Ivan Johnson and Tracy McGrady. Johnson is physical, but the question is whether he can keep his emotions in check against Kevin Garnett.
McGrady has played well in the last two weeks and seems pumped for the playoffs (he’s 0-7 in playoff series, 13-25 in playoff games in his career). Michael Cunningham has a blog posted on McGrady. One of McGrady’s comments: “Physically and mentally I feel better than I have all season long. Feeling a lot more comfortable, getting consistent minutes, coach is putting the ball in my hands.”
(Update: Jason Collins will start at center for the Hawks. Drew is opting for bringing Marvin Williams, Johnson and McGrady off the bench.)
That’s it for now. I’ll be here live blogging through the game, at least until I need to start working on the game column.
What are your thoughts on this series? Do the Hawks have a chance without their bigs? The cyber floor is yours.
By Jeff Schultz
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
121 comments Add your comment
Patrick
April 29th, 2012
5:21 pm
First
Patrick
April 29th, 2012
5:24 pm
Yes, they have a shot. As long as they play team basketball and make multiple passes to create space. We can’t get locked down man to man against the Celtics, they are just to good defensively. Create space with efficent passing, movement and screens. RUN ON THOSE OLD DUDES!!
DarthVesper
April 29th, 2012
5:41 pm
Go Hawks!
JSS
April 29th, 2012
5:47 pm
Be flexible and make Rivers adjust first! Keep him trying to keep Johnson, Smith, and McGrady from dictating on the offensive end. The Celtics hate teams that force them to actively defend for extended periods. And Marvin, Joe, and Teague show up early and often, no disappearing acts!!!
reggiej
April 29th, 2012
5:52 pm
This series is ours! Go Hawks!!!
indianman
April 29th, 2012
5:54 pm
the hawks in six
ThreeDawgKnight
April 29th, 2012
5:55 pm
Put Tracy McGrady in the Post.
That oughta do it.
rob
April 29th, 2012
6:02 pm
I dont even listen to the Wilbons or Jon Barrys. Hawks can and will take this thing, they have matured each year, and this is the best team they have had. They got homecourt for a reason, think they need to take the first two
Jeff Schultz
April 29th, 2012
6:14 pm
Ray Allen is out tonight for the Celtics, according to Doc Rivers. Jason Collins starts for the Hawks at center.
tckr83
April 29th, 2012
6:16 pm
What’s your call on the series Jeff?
Steve
April 29th, 2012
6:21 pm
I wonder what the “fan” percentage will be? Maybe 50/50? My week is also ruined because I wasn’t “first.” Poor me.
Jeff Schultz
April 29th, 2012
6:47 pm
Tckr83 — Not making a call on his one.
hawks fan in ky
April 29th, 2012
6:50 pm
What channel will this game be on?
hawks fan in ky
April 29th, 2012
6:52 pm
I mean what TV Station Mr. Schultz?
tckr83
April 29th, 2012
6:53 pm
Weak man, weak!
Seriously, I don’t blame you.
JSS
April 29th, 2012
6:54 pm
TNT tonight…
K.W.
April 29th, 2012
6:58 pm
You can also watch the game on Sports South.
Jeff Schultz
April 29th, 2012
7:00 pm
Hawks fan in Ky — Game is on TNT and SportsSouth.
rob
April 29th, 2012
7:00 pm
I muted the commentators, Ill listen to the commentary during the game, not before, during halftime, or after. They wont mention the Hawks anyway
Jeff Schultz
April 29th, 2012
7:01 pm
tckr83 — Not making a prediction because I don’t know about injuries. If I thought Pachulia was playing in rest of series, I’d pick Hawks.
rob
April 29th, 2012
7:02 pm
why cant Atlanta be like OKC or any of these other cities where the whole crowd is for the home team. People love moving to Atlanta thats some bull****
Hard In The Paint Like Josh Smith
April 29th, 2012
7:03 pm
whos calling the game on tnt?
tckr83
April 29th, 2012
7:04 pm
Jeff –
Understood. What’s your prediction tonight then?
IceColdATLien
April 29th, 2012
7:08 pm
If Zaza and Ray miss equivalent amounts of time, I’d think that the Hawks would benefit in that exchange… except that we’re already missing Al. So I’m guessing it’ll come down to the strength of our bench and the corresponding ability to consistently get to 95 pts/game (a pace that the Celts without Allen cannot match).
IceColdATLien
April 29th, 2012
7:11 pm
@rob:
Hawks fans suffering from the same affliction Braves fans had during the 1st decade of the 2000’s: we got apathetic bout a team that goes to the playoffs year after year with no shot at all of winning the post-season tourney. Remember how Philips was in ‘08? It was insano-psychotic there, but 4 years later we’re bored of investing in a 2nd round and out squad.
Jeff Schultz
April 29th, 2012
7:12 pm
Sick move by Rondo.
Jeff Schultz
April 29th, 2012
7:13 pm
That’s a good sign – Hinrich hitting his first shot. Saw him out shooting extra jumpers before warmups.
Jeff Schultz
April 29th, 2012
7:13 pm
Hawks’ fans loud early.
Jeff Schultz
April 29th, 2012
7:15 pm
Hawks alive at offensive end. Celtics slow on d. 16-4.
DawgNole
April 29th, 2012
7:17 pm
We’re on fire right now. Can’t let up though.
Jeff Schultz
April 29th, 2012
7:17 pm
Josh standing there with ball. Fans yelling “No!” He heard them and drove.
Jeff Schultz
April 29th, 2012
7:17 pm
Holy smokes — 20-6. Celtics call a time. Well, didn’t expect this.
Swami
April 29th, 2012
7:17 pm
If the Hawks had a better record than the Celtics why aren’t they the 4th Seed?
DawgNole
April 29th, 2012
7:18 pm
Somebody must’ve played that espn panel’s clip for them–the one in which they didn’t even mention ATL. Just speculated on how the Celts would do from the second round on.
rob
April 29th, 2012
7:18 pm
@ ICEColdATLien
Yeah I can understand that. The only way to change that tune is for Hawks to reach ECF
Jeff Schultz
April 29th, 2012
7:19 pm
Hawks 8 for 11 from floor. Celtics 3 for 9.
rob
April 29th, 2012
7:19 pm
@DawgNole
I hope Larry Drew played that clip over and over. If he did, it sure helped
D-Man
April 29th, 2012
7:20 pm
@DawgNole – I hope they did, that was disgustingly disrespectful. That ESPN/Charles Fart-ley hate is unbelievable! GO HAWKS!!!
IceColdATLien
April 29th, 2012
7:21 pm
Very nice start, but the Celts will grind this out fo sho. Gotta keep the running game going before BOS can get their halfcourt D set. Nice so far.
D-Man
April 29th, 2012
7:21 pm
What happened to Zsa-Zsa???
D-Man
April 29th, 2012
7:22 pm
It’s amazing how good Rondo has gotten year after year…he is going to be a problem.
Jeff Schultz
April 29th, 2012
7:25 pm
That brought crowd alive — Marvin alley-oop from Joe.
Jeff Schultz
April 29th, 2012
7:27 pm
That’s 2 on Pierce.
IceColdATLien
April 29th, 2012
7:28 pm
D-man, if you don’t know what’s up w/Zaza (and can’t spell his name right), you lose posting privileges.
Hard In The Paint Like Josh Smith
April 29th, 2012
7:29 pm
celtics look TIRED!
IceColdATLien
April 29th, 2012
7:29 pm
Can’t ask for more than this. 27-12 is bout as good as it gets.
Jeff Schultz
April 29th, 2012
7:29 pm
Very simple: Hawks outplaying Celtics at both ends of the court. A lot of energy. Defensive impressive on that last Celtics possession.
Brian
April 29th, 2012
7:34 pm
score?
Jeff Schultz
April 29th, 2012
7:34 pm
Two bad Hawks possessions, Rondo makes them pay both times.
Brian
April 29th, 2012
7:35 pm
o 27 12 still?
Jeff Schultz
April 29th, 2012
7:35 pm
First quarter: 31-18.
IceColdATLien
April 29th, 2012
7:36 pm
Just 64 more points over next 3 quarters and it’ll be game 1 to ATL. Celts can’t get 95 w/out Ray Allen.
rob
April 29th, 2012
7:37 pm
How is the rebounding battle going so far?
Jeff Schultz
April 29th, 2012
7:38 pm
Tracy McGrady checking in to start the 2nd quarter.
rob
April 29th, 2012
7:38 pm
Jeff, from the comments on twitter, ZaZa talking like a man that wont be back this series. I think we are ok right now though
Jeff Schultz
April 29th, 2012
7:39 pm
Rob — I was standing next to him whole interview. He doesn’t know, but didn’t sound confident or happy.
Jeff Schultz
April 29th, 2012
7:43 pm
This Hawks’ 5 has had some pad possessions.
rob
April 29th, 2012
7:44 pm
Hawks 2nd team in there with Celtic starters, not gonna work gotta integrate them better Larry
Hard In The Paint Like Josh Smith
April 29th, 2012
7:44 pm
bench sucking it up
G
April 29th, 2012
7:45 pm
2 big missed calls. Glad to see refs are not playoff ready. Oh but this is the NBA
Jeff Schultz
April 29th, 2012
7:45 pm
Drew has seen enough. Timeout. Celtics trim lead to 9.
Jeff Schultz
April 29th, 2012
7:48 pm
Joe now 2 for 6, 0-for-4 from 3.
pgs
April 29th, 2012
7:52 pm
go hawks! HCA
Jeff Schultz
April 29th, 2012
7:52 pm
Hawks not artistic but somehow they’ve gotten lead back up to 17…. 9-1 run.
Hard In The Paint Like Josh Smith
April 29th, 2012
7:52 pm
Has rondo been to he bench yet!?
rob
April 29th, 2012
7:53 pm
I like the fact that the Hawks get out and run, they have to with the Celtics abusive half court defense. Love the big line-up
IceColdATLien
April 29th, 2012
7:53 pm
yeah, Schultz, JJ ain’t doin’ squat and ATL still puttin’ a decent-sized butt kickin’
"Chef" Tim Dix
April 29th, 2012
7:56 pm
JJ’s typical post season production thus far. Maybe he thinks it like working for free.
Jeff Schultz
April 29th, 2012
8:02 pm
Teague’s having a strong game. Drive makes it 46-27, game-high 19 point lead. Smith 13, Johnson 9, Teague 7 for Hawks. … Rondo 10 for Celtics.
Jeff Schultz
April 29th, 2012
8:03 pm
Hawks also outrebounding Celtics 22-15.
IceColdATLien
April 29th, 2012
8:03 pm
Chef:
Seriously, stop hatin’ on Joe. Without him, the Hawks are a lottery team. Don’t hate cuz you can’t appreciate…
CamiloAtlanta
April 29th, 2012
8:04 pm
We’ve gotta hold him, smack them around a bit more. Keep pounding them Hawks, don’t let them get back in this one.
Jeff Schultz
April 29th, 2012
8:05 pm
“Small” Hawks own rebounding edge 22-15.
IceColdATLien
April 29th, 2012
8:08 pm
ATL on their 95+ pace, but Celts aren’t. They can’t keep up with ATL’s offense w/out Ray Allen.
IceColdATLien
April 29th, 2012
8:10 pm
Schultz, I like how you put “small” into quotes considering the Celts don’t have any size either.
IceColdATLien
April 29th, 2012
8:11 pm
Wonderin’ how those idiots at ESPN who were picking Celts in 5 or 6 feel bout the Celts taking the next four or four of next five… ain’t happenin’ dummies!!!
weaseal
April 29th, 2012
8:17 pm
Hawks & Braves win today… oh Please please please please please please
CamiloAtlanta
April 29th, 2012
8:24 pm
We looked good against Boston’s starters early all year. The key is to keep them at bay the second half. No doubt they’ll show up. I just hope we do too.
Jesse
April 29th, 2012
8:31 pm
They’ll win this game but they can’t think the whole series is going to be like this. They need to play even better in game two.
CamiloAtlanta
April 29th, 2012
8:39 pm
Look so flat. What happened?
Jeff Schultz
April 29th, 2012
8:42 pm
Is that Jason Collins who hit back to back shots?
D-Man
April 29th, 2012
8:43 pm
uh-ohhh, looks like I’ve run afoul of the grammar police…oh well….GO HAWKS!!
D-Man
April 29th, 2012
8:44 pm
Celts look old…real old.
Harold Hawk
April 29th, 2012
8:45 pm
Jason Collins………………………..!?!…….!
D-Man
April 29th, 2012
8:46 pm
If not for Rondo’s play, the Hawks would be up 30…lol
D-Man
April 29th, 2012
8:47 pm
IVAN THE TERRIBLE!!!
Harold Hawk
April 29th, 2012
8:49 pm
Jason Collins — 6 points, 5 rebounds!! ……….I would shout it from a mountaintop, but I only live on a small hill near Cumberland Mall……… GO HAWKS!
hawksfan1
April 29th, 2012
8:52 pm
If Josh Smith had Ivan Johnsons hustle he would be a top 3 player in the league.
heartofdarkness
April 29th, 2012
8:54 pm
Can you hear Steve Holman and Home Team bemoaning the officiating from where you stand or sit? Funny.
rob
April 29th, 2012
8:55 pm
Joe Johnson is 3-12 overall and 0-6 from 3 point land. I will reserve judgement until later….
Jeff Schultz
April 29th, 2012
8:57 pm
Hawks will take 12 pt lead (65-53) into fourth. Celtics have yet to make 3-point shot (0-for-9). (No Ray Allen)
Jeff Schultz
April 29th, 2012
8:59 pm
Check that on Celtics. They’re actually 0 for 10 from 3 range.
D-Man
April 29th, 2012
9:02 pm
now biting my nails…
hawksfan1
April 29th, 2012
9:03 pm
put the freakin starters back in already genius.
rob
April 29th, 2012
9:03 pm
@ D-man
Just want to get out of here with a W. We cant lose this one it would probably deflate the team’s psyche
rob
April 29th, 2012
9:04 pm
Dont know why Drew just continues to put the entire bench team out there when Boston keeps their team in there
Jeff Schultz
April 29th, 2012
9:11 pm
That should’ve been a charge. Pierce had forearm out there.
G
April 29th, 2012
9:11 pm
Settling for jump shots. Old Hawks have risen
"Chef" Tim Dix
April 29th, 2012
9:14 pm
IceColdATLien : Not hatin on Joe as much as hatin on his post season numbers.
I like the Hawks in 5.
Now, IF JJ had T-Mac’s post season numbers….
Bama14
April 29th, 2012
9:19 pm
Hawks turning it over and C’s ain’t. We’ve kept them in this game. Not pushing tempo anymore either. That was a big hoop though!
Coach D
April 29th, 2012
9:21 pm
Go Teague, Go!!
Bama14
April 29th, 2012
9:22 pm
C’s barely had to work for Garnett’s elbow J.
Coach D
April 29th, 2012
9:23 pm
Refs suck! THat was a two shot foul… NBA B= business.
TheOnlyBravesFan
April 29th, 2012
9:25 pm
RONDO WILL BE SUSPENDED!!!!!!!! HURRAY!!!!!!!
Bama14
April 29th, 2012
9:26 pm
Wow!!!
Coach D
April 29th, 2012
9:29 pm
Bear down Hawks!
Coach D
April 29th, 2012
9:30 pm
Good point Braves fan.. I really hope Rondo will be suspended!
D-Man
April 29th, 2012
9:33 pm
See ya in game 3 Rondo….peeeeaaaaccceeee!
IceColdATLien
April 29th, 2012
9:33 pm
I said 95+, my bad… it’s more like 85+ pts that ATL needs to win if Allen don’t play for BOS. I guess Doc’s obnoxious “we-don’t-need-home-court-vs-ATL” theory.
Done son!!!!
Bama14
April 29th, 2012
9:34 pm
I’ll take it. See ya Tuesday nite!
D-Man
April 29th, 2012
9:34 pm
Good win Hawks…you made me nervous (like you always do
), but I’ll take it…GO HAWKS!!
IceColdATLien
April 29th, 2012
9:35 pm
Rondo gone for Game 2 = ATL in 5 games. What a nice night to start a changing of the guard. ATL vs MIA in the Eastern Finals… and Zaza and Al will be back by then… do you believe?
JSS
April 29th, 2012
9:48 pm
Lot of veteran poise tonight Shamrock!!!
ag
April 29th, 2012
9:48 pm
I am so happy. A couple of things that I blogged, MC and Schultz picked up….. 12 of 13 picks Celtics and Barkley’s Hawks can’t beat us anywhere. Barkley had another dig at halftime, “the Bulls will have a tough time with the Celtics without Rose.” Mr. Barkley should talk to Jameer Nelson about doubting the Hawks.
bgtodd01
April 29th, 2012
9:52 pm
The TNT guys are freaking idiots. They said it was a bad “foul” call so Rondo had the right to get upset and they hoped he didn’t get suspended. First of all, a jump ball couldn’t be called because Bass never had two hands on the ball and then he almost took Josh’s head off. Second, you don’t bump a ref like that in the NBA, MLB, NFL, or college. I can’t believe that idiot took Josh’s spot in All-star game. Let’s make it double loud Tuesday night!!! Go Hawks!!!
Abe the Fan
April 29th, 2012
9:53 pm
Jeff–Please talk to whoever you can in Hawks Management and make sure there are NO STREAMERS for the remainder of the series. It’s embarrassing to release streamers after ONE WIN!!!
Deja vu
April 29th, 2012
10:14 pm
I agree on the stupid streamers. Act like you’ve been their before, management. Good win, but that was embarrassing.
Anthony
April 29th, 2012
10:25 pm
Christopher, Your celtics got beat. Deal with it and learn how to spell. Why didn’t the celtics crush the hawks this game dude? Why are you saying they are going to in the second game when they couldn’t do it in the first game.
Christpohers Cah is at the bah
April 29th, 2012
10:46 pm
Christopher. Your cah is at the bah and your cash is up your ash. Bet dem Hawks. Vegas knows whats up. Hawks favorited, Hawks win. How do you like dem Apples Benny boy?
Raven Jarnutowski
May 2nd, 2012
9:10 am
Hi there to every , as I am in fact keen of reading this website’s post to be updated regularly. It contains good information.
Edie Pozzuoli
May 2nd, 2012
9:10 am
Its not my first time to visit this website, i am visiting this web page dailly and obtain pleasant information from here everyday.