Hawks at Pacers
THE STORY: The Atlanta Hawks have been able to pad their record with three games already against one of the worst teams in the Eastern Conference, the New Jersey Nets. After checking off their third victory over the hapless Nets on Monday, the Hawks should get a much bigger challenge on Wednesday when they visit the Indiana Pacers. Atlanta hasn’t played just pushovers, of course, as it also has early wins over the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls. The surprising Pacers should provide a similar challenge. Indiana has used strong team defense to build up its record, allowing only one team – the Heat – to break the century mark. The Pacers fell at Philadelphia 96-86 on Monday and are enduring a difficult early travel schedule with 13 of 20 games on the road through the end of January. They are undefeated in three home games.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, SPSO (Atlanta), FSIN (Indiana)
ABOUT THE HAWKS (7-3): Atlanta had all five of its starters score at least 14 points in Monday’s 106-101 victory at New Jersey, led by Josh Smith’s 26. Smith drew some criticism when he started the season shooting 37.8 percent (31 of 82) from the field in the first seven games. But during the Hawks’ three-game winning streak, Smith has asserted himself, averaging 24.7 points on 65 percent (32 of 49) shooting. He has raised his contribution on the defensive end as well, making 10 steals and eight blocks in the three games.
ABOUT THE PACERS (6-3): Indiana’s hot start has been a result of its improved defense. The Pacers have allowed an average of 90 points despite playing six of their first nine on the road. They played Monday without Danny Granger (food poisoning) and George Hill (back). Instead, Indiana leaned on the inside combination of Roy Hibbert and David West for points while giving Dahntay Jones and Lance Stephenson bigger roles in the rotation.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Atlanta took three of four in the series last season, dropping a 114-102 decision at Indiana on April 8.
2. Granger and Hill are both day-to-day.
3. Hawks F Marvin Williams (ankle) will miss Wednesday’s game.