The New Jersey Nets come slumping into Atlanta on a 4 game losing streak.\u00a0 <\/p>\n
New Jersey Nets (15-33) vs Atlanta Hawks (27-20) Matchup<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Preview<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n New Jersey<\/strong><\/p>\n They are last in the Atlantic Division right now and after no major move at the trade deadline are aimlessly wandering into the offseason. \u00a0Adding to their pain is that they will be facing an opponent that has beaten them three times already this season.<\/p>\n Will they rise up or fold yet again.<\/p>\n Another loss seems not just possible but a given.<\/p>\n Unless point guard Deron Williams can rangle a rag tag bunch towards a victory.<\/p>\n When he goes off this team looks halfway decent but he is not the kind of player who erupts all that often. \u00a0Last time they met he had 6 turnovers in the loss and they need him to play clean as much as dominate.<\/p>\n One new wrinkle the Nets can throw at the Hawks is small forward Gerald Wallace. \u00a0He is no Dwight Howard but has something to prove after being underused in Portland. [soliloquy id=”82219″]<\/p>\n Atlanta<\/strong><\/p>\n Atlanta is one of the forgotten team in the league right now as the season winds down.<\/p>\n They are firmly in the playoff picture but not really considered a threat to challenge the elite teams in the Eastern Conference. \u00a0They have won three of their last four but those were against Cleveland and Washington, which is hardly impressive.<\/p>\n Friday night presents another chance to pick up a cheapie.<\/p>\n The Hawks are flying wounded at this time of the season.<\/p>\n Forward Al Horford has been out for a while but Friday night they might also be missing Marvin Williams and Vlad Radmonovic too. \u00a0\u00a0With all those front court players out that puts a lot of pressure of forward Josh Smith.<\/p>\n He is coming off his best game of the year with 32 points and 17 rebounds. \u00a0His energy seems to be pretty good despite the hectic schedule and major minutes.<\/p>\n
\nFriday March 23
\nPhilips Arena – Atlanta, GA
\n7:30PM
\nMoneyline: \u00a0No money line currently listed
\nSpread: \u00a0Atlanta -8
\nO\/U: \u00a0188.5<\/strong><\/p>\n