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Atlanta Hawks: Bold predictions for the 2020-2021 season

By Larry Hammonds

ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 09: John Collins #20 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts at the conclusion of an NBA game against the Charlotte Hornets at State Farm Arena on March 9, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 09: John Collins #20 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts at the conclusion of an NBA game against the Charlotte Hornets at State Farm Arena on March 9, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /
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Atlanta Hawks (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Atlanta Hawks (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

2. The Hawks finish top-6 in the East.

There’s been a lot of hype around the Atlanta Hawks after having one of the league’s better offseasons. No, we didn’t sign any stars, but the roster looks much better on paper, and the team looks like it’s in a position to meet their playoff goals.

Most media pundits project them to be the seventh or eighth seed and participate in the play-in tournament. Even Hoops Habit’s very own site expert Duncan Smith projects the Hawks to win 35 games and finish as the eighth seed. This writer disagrees and sees the Atlanta Hawks as a top-six seed in the Eastern Conference.

Related Story. Hawks: Ranking their projected starting five. light

At first glance, 35 wins seem like a lot for a team that failed to crack 30 wins for three consecutive seasons, but this newly constructed Hawks team is perfectly capable of finishing above .500 for the first time in four years, even in a truncated 72-game season.

Yes, the East got a lot better, but this wouldn’t be a bold prediction if everyone expects this outcome. Last season the Hawks struggled to close out games, possessing a 7-9 record in games decided by five points or less. With a proven prolific scorer in Gallinari and Clint Capela protecting the paint, the Hawks should do a better job down the stretch of close games.

The Atlanta Hawks have one of the deepest teams in the league now and should be much improved on both sides of the ball. While I expect them to have their struggles on defense, they have the potential to be one of the most unstoppable offenses in the NBA, let alone the conference.

The Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, Brooklyn Nets, and Toronto Raptors are all virtual locks to make the playoffs, but it’s open season on the finals two spots. It will take a lot of luck and good fortune on the Atlanta Hawks’ end to jump over one of the aforementioned teams in the standings. Still, my unwavering faith in the development and potential of Trae Young and the leadership of Lloyd Pierce leads me to believe anything is possible.

Prediction: 38-34 (sixth seed)

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