Report by Austin Kent
Austin Kent takes a weekly look at the NBA teams in the Southeast Division - Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Bobcats, Miami Heat, Orlando Magic, Washington Wizards - and breaks down what happened the week before and what to expect in the week ahead, as well as injuries and trades.
Recap Rewind: Since surrendering their second place spot in the Southeast Division the Atlanta Hawks have continued to slip. The Hawks did start the week off with a win, at home against Denver, but have since lost three straight. Included in those losses are two, on the road, against the Milwaukee Bucks and Toronto Raptors. On Monday night the Hawks fell to the Portland Trail Blazers in overtime.
Notable News: With a record of 17-20 the Atlanta Hawks sit in third place in the Southeast Division and are in no immediate position to steal second or slip to fourth... Fantasy basketball freak Josh Smith pleased owners on Monday after coming up with 17 points, 17 rebounds, six assists, three blocks and a pair of steals in their overtime loss to Portland... For the second time this year a Hawks player has been suspended as the result of a flagrant foul against the Toronto Raptors, this time it was point guard Anthony Johnson for his hit on Jose Calderon.
Fast Forward: On Wednesday the Hawks set out on a five game west coast trip, three of those games will fall within the next week. After starting in Denver, Atlanta will then head to Seattle and Portland on Friday and Sunday respectively, hoping to turn their recent struggles around and stay in the playoff picture.