Upcoming Road Trip Will Provide a Huge Test For Atlanta

After getting to 6-4, Atlanta lost three in a row (all close games), but they finally got back in the win column on Wednesday against the Brooklyn Nets. After a homestand, the Hawks are going to hit the road this Saturday to start a five-game road trip and it is going to provide a challenge, but an opportunity, for Atlanta to play against the best teams in the Eastern Conference and show that they can be one of the top six teams in the conference.

First up for Atlanta is going to be a game at Washington, arguably the worst team in the NBA. When I said the Hawks were going to be challenged on this road trip, this is not quite what I had in mind, but the way Atlanta has been playing defense, Washington could score some points. Still, the Hawks should win this game.

The big test is going to come on Sunday in a rematch of last year's 1st round playoff series. Atlanta travels to Boston to face the Celtics, who have looked like the best team in the NBA this season. Jayson Tatum is playing like an MVP candidate, Jrue Holiday is fitting in nicely, and Kristaps Porzingis looks like a great addition. This is the most complete team in the NBA and the kind of team that can give the Hawks a major headache.

I am interested to see how Atlanta does against the Boston defense. With guys like Holiday, Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, and Tatum, the Celtics have the ability to switch and matchup with the Hawks. Atlanta has had one of the best offenses in the NBA, but the Celtics will provide a great test for them.

After the game against Boston, Atlanta will go to Cleveland to face the Cavaliers. Cleveland has been slow starting this season, but that has been due to injury and they are still one of the most talented rosters in the Eastern Conference. Atlanta will have to be prepared on defense for the guard tandem of Donavan Mitchell and Darius Garland.

Atlanta will then get their first look at rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio. Wembanyama has been sensational and leads the team in points, rebounds, and blocks. The Spurs as a whole have not been a good team, but Wembanyama gives them a chance in any game due to the impact he can make on both ends of the floor.

The Hawks will finish up their road trip in a place where they already have a big win this season. Atlanta will go to Milwaukee to face Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard and the Bucks are playing much better since Atlanta won in blowout fashion earlier in the year. Giannis is playing like an MVP candidate and the Bucks are 10-5.

These five games are going to be huge and I think a 3-2 record or a 4-1 record would be great for the Hawks. After a challenging week, this would be a great chance to show improvements.

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