Cleveland got back to their winning ways after a two game losing streak on Monday night with a 97-88 win over the Charlotte Hornets. Atlanta has won 10 of their last 11 games, including a 93-86 win over the Bulls on Monday.
The Cavaliers blew out the Hawks in their previous matchup this season, winning 127-94 thanks in large part to the 19 three-pointers they hit in that game.
Projected Starting Lineups
Cleveland Cavaliers (14-9)
G Kyrie Irving – 20.4 ppg, 5.2 apg
G Shawn Marion – 5.3 ppg, 3.5 rpg
F LeBron James – 25.6 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 7.8 apg
F Kevin Love – 17.8 ppg, 10.5 rpg
C Anderson Varejao – 10.0 ppg, 6.8 rpg
Atlanta Hawks (17-7)
G Jeff Teague – 16.8 ppg, 7.0 apg
G Kyle Korver – 13.2 ppg, 4.1 rpg
F DeMarre Carroll – 11.4 ppg, 5.6 rpg
F Paul Millsap - 16.5 ppg, 7.8 rpg
C Al Horford - 14.0 ppg, 6.6 rpg
What to watch for:
How effective will Kevin Love be, if he plays?
Kevin Love will be a game-time decision for tonight's game with flu-like symptoms, and even if he does play, he probably won't have the same impact on a game as he would if he were fully healthy. Cleveland needs him to battle Al Horford and Paul Millsap down low - both of whom are former All-Stars. The Cavs are already weak in the post, and if Atlanta can dominate the paint in this game, they'll give themselves a major advantage.
Cavs defense vs. Hawks offense
Atlanta head coach Mike Budenholzer is a Gregg Popovich disciple, and the Hawks' offensive scheme has a lot of the Spurs' offensive principles. They've become so successful because of how they move the ball offensively and take advantage of the strengths of whoever they have on the court. Cleveland has gotten better defensively but they do struggle with their rotations at times. If they don't play hard on that end of the floor, they'll risk getting blown out.
Prediction: Hawks win 101-97
Atlanta is one of the hottest teams in the league, and they'll be looking for payback after the Cavs embarrassed them in their last matchup. Kyrie Irving is struggling and if Kevin Love can't play, I don't think Cleveland will have enough to put them over the top.
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