After winning their first divisional title since 1978, the Washington Wizards are now looking towards what they hope will be a deep playoff run. The duo of John Wall and Bradley Beal has been phenomenal this season and it is exactly what the Washington brass envisioned when they drafted Beal to compliment Wall in 2012.
Wall averaged 23 points and 10 assists this season, while Beal contributed 23 points per game. Both of their stellar play helped the Wizards attain the 4th seed in the Eastern Conference.
The Atlanta Hawks have had an up and down season after starting the season 9-2, they fought tooth and nail through rumors of star player Paul Milsap being traded, and losing Kyle Korver. The Hawks gathered themselves and earned the 5th seed with a record of 43-39, fueled by their frontcourt duo of Dwight Howard and Paul Milsap and defense. It was a big part of their success, the Hawks are ranked 4th in defensive efficiency and 10th in points allowed.
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Sunday, April 16, 1 p.m. ET
Location: Verizon Center, Washington D.C.
TV: TNT, Fox Sports Southeast
Keys to the game for the Hawks
Contain either Wall or Beal, it will spell disaster if both players play well
Dennis Schroeder must get started early
Feed the Bigs (Howard 13.5 points and 12 point 5 rebounds per game, Milsap 18.1 points 7.7 rebounds per game)
Keys to the game for the Wizards
Get Otto Porter (13.4 points, 6,4 rebounds per game) involved, the Hawks do not have the personnel to contain Wall, Beal and Porter collectively
Protect the paint
Force turnovers
Remaining schedule
Game 2: Wednesday, 7 p.m. (NBA TV)
Game 3: Saturday, April 22, 5:30 p.m. (TNT)
Game 4: Monday, April. 24, 8 p.m. (TNT)
Game 5 (if necessary): Wednesday, April 26, TBD
Game 6 (if necessary): Friday, April 28, TBD
Game 7 (if necessary): Sunday, April 30, TBD
