Atlanta Hawks: 1-6
Games:
- L: 93-104 @ Miami
- L: 86-91 @ Chicago
- L: 100-105 vs. Denver
- L: 106-117 vs. Milwaukee
Injuries:
- Miles Plumlee: Quadricep (day to day)
- Ersan Ilyasova: bone bruise in knee (1-2 weeks)
- DeAndre Bembry: Wrist (4-6 weeks)
After winning their first game of the season, the Hawks have now lost 6 straight games, a streak that could continue as they go up against the Rockets, Cavs, and Celtics next week. Despite this season already appearing to be pretty bleak in terms of winning, this Hawks team has some fight, and its three point shooting ability will allow Atlanta to hang in games that they have no business in.
NBC Sports
Already facing injury issues with Ilyasova and Bembry (seen above) missing time, the Hawks look to develop the young talents of Taurean Prince and John Collins, both who have proven their floors are at least decently high. The question is, especially for rookie John Collins, is how high the ceilings are for Prince and Collins. The Hawks main focus going forward is to develop Collins, who should give the organization minuscule hope at least in what should otherwise be a season filled with L’s.
Miami Heat: 2-3
Games:
- W: 104-93 vs. Atlanta
- L: 100-117 vs. San Antonio
- L: 90-96 vs. Boston
Injuries:
- Hassan Whiteside: bone bruise in knee (Day to Day)
The Heat have played as good as you can expect from a team missing its best player, picking up an easy win against the Hawks before losing to the Spurs and being another victim of Kyrie’s late game heroics. Hassan should return this week, and with it the Heats dominance on the glass, but in the meantime the Heat have been actively voicing their concerns.
SI.com
The Heat had a team meeting this morning to discuss what has been underwhelming play so far, and Eric Spoelstra expressed confidence that this meeting was productive. As James Johnson put it, “We aired it out this morning. A lot of people took heat.” As Whiteside returns, Miami can only hope that they will start to return to their post all-star break play of last year.
Charlotte Hornets: 3-3
Games:
- L: 94-103 @Milwaukee
- W: 110-93 vs. Denver
- L: 93-109 vs. Houston
- W: 120-113 vs. Orlando
Injuries:
- Frank Kaminsky: Illness (Day to Day)
- Michael Carter-Williams: Knee (Day to Day)
The Hornet’s offense has finally awakened this year in a scorching performance against a hot Magic team right now. Charlotte finished 54% from the field, and looked nearly unstoppable in the half court, even without one of their best scorers in Frank Kaminsky. Most of this progress on offense can be attributed to Kemba Walker, who finished with 34 points, 10 assists, and 6 rebounds, looking borderline unstoppable at times.
Elite Daily
Jeremy Lamb (seen above), who took strides last year in every statistical category, seems to be continuing the progression, especially on the offense of the ball. Coming off back to back 20 point performances, Lamb has looked incredibly consistent and dependable as the team’s second option on some nights. If Lamb is able to maintain this level of play, expect this offense to continue to thrive
Orlando Magic: 4-2
Games:
- W: 125-121 vs Brooklyn
- W: 114-87 vs San Antonio
- L: 113-20 @ Charlotte
Injuries:
- Elfrid Payton: hamstring (1 week or less)
- Jonathan Issac: Illness (Day to Day)
The Orlando Magic are tied for the best record in the east. Let that sink in. While it is far too easy to make any legitimate judgements, it is fair to say that this play is not a complete fluke, as the Magic have looked like a playoff contender in the first 6 games, and in a weak east, don’t count Orlando out.
When Elfrid Payton returns from injury, he is going to have to beg for his spot in the starting lineup back, as Evan Fournier’s play has been nothing short of stellar. He has scored 28, 25, and 23 points in the last 3 games and has proved to be superior on both ends of the floor in comparison to Payton.
Orlando Sentinel
Jonathon Simmons’ (seen above) defense has been excellent as expected so far for the Magic. But more shocking is his advancements on the offensive end of the floor, where he is averaging over 16 points a game coming off a 27 point performance against the Hornets. His three pointer, previously almost nonexistent, has been the most impressive part of his expanded offensive game. He is shooting a ridiculous 53% from 3 point range, and his confidence behind the arc looks to be here to stay. For someone that had to pay to even have a D League tryout, Jonathon Simmons has come a very long way.
Washington Wizards: 4-2
Games:
- W: 109-104 @Denver
- L: 99-102 @Lakers
- L: 117-120 @Golden State
- W: 110-83 @Sacramento
Injuries:
- Markieff Morris: abdominals and suspension (at least OUT 1 more game)
This week was much of the same for the Washington Wizards. All Star play from John Wall. Always improving play of Otto Porter Jr.. Very little contribution from the bench.
SLAMOnline
Except one thing was out of the ordinary.
Bradley Beal and Draymond Green got in a rather large scuffle that turned into a near bench clearing brawl, with both players getting ejected, along with Markieff Morris receiving a one game suspension for leaving the bench.
Its not all negative in DC though, as the ‘Zards can take this impassioned attitude and hopefully use it to fuel them to a potential 1 seed.
