Upcoming Matchup: Hawks vs. Grizzlies
In a pivotal matchup set for Wednesday at 8 p.m. EST, the Atlanta Hawks (20-25, ranking 10th in the Eastern Conference) will square off against the Memphis Grizzlies (18-23, positioned 11th in the Western Conference) in Memphis, Tennessee. Atlanta hopes to snap its current losing streak, which has now reached four games.
Team Performance
The Grizzlies have shown resilience at home with a record of 10-11 this season. Their ability to perform is highlighted by their success when controlling turnovers; Memphis has a 9-9 record in games where they win the turnover battle, despite averaging 14.9 turnovers per game.
On the other hand, the Hawks have found some success on the road, holding a 13-12 record away from home. Notably, Atlanta leads the league with an impressive 31.0 assists per game, spearheaded by Jalen Johnson, who averages 8.0 assists.
Defensive and Offensive Stats
Defensively, the Hawks offer a slightly vulnerable front, allowing opponents to shoot 47.8%. This could be a pivotal factor in the game, especially as the Grizzlies have recorded a shooting percentage of 45.5% so far this season. Additionally, Atlanta has been efficient from beyond the arc, sinking an average of 14.4 three-pointers per game, marginally outpacing the 14.3 they allow to their opponents.
Key Players to Watch
Key players to watch include Jaren Jackson Jr. for the Grizzlies, who is contributing an average of 18.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game, alongside teammate Santi Aldama, who’s averaged 13.0 points over his last 10 outings. For the Hawks, Onyeka Okongwu is a major player with 16.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker has stepped up with 21.8 points and 4.7 rebounds, shooting at a 44.0% clip over the past 10 games.
Recent Performances and Injuries
Looking at both teams’ recent performances, the Grizzlies have struggled with a 3-7 record in their last 10 games, averaging 114.3 points and allowing 116.7 points per game. Meanwhile, the Hawks are 4-6 in their last 10, averaging 111.2 points scored while allowing 115.1 points to opponents.
In terms of injuries impacting the game, the Grizzlies will be missing Scotty Pippen Jr. (toe), Zach Edey (ankle), Ty Jerome (calf), and Brandon Clarke (calf). The Hawks will not have Kristaps Porzingis (achilles), Zaccharie Risacher (knee), and N’Faly Dante, who is out for the season due to a knee injury.
Conclusion
The upcoming game promises to be an intense battle as both teams strive for victory to improve their standings in the league.
