Atlanta Hawks might not have been able to replicate their last season's brilliant form, but needs to come up with similar performance to defeat Golden State Warriors at Philips Arena on Monday. The Warriors have been the best team in the competition and it goes without saying they are favourites to defeat the Hawks.
The Warriors will be even more determined to put up an emphatic performance against the Hawks and showcase them as the team to beat in the NBA, especially after their huge loss to Portland Trailblazers after the All-Star break.
After that loss, though, the Warriors might have defeated Clipper in a close contest, they will be eager to send a strong signal by putting up a dominating display against the Hawks. Warriors cannot afford to lose form at such a crucial juncture as they need to prepare for the Playoffs.
The Warriors should treat these last two matches as a wake-up call, and come up with an even determined effort in the NBA. Players such as Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson need to shoulder responsibility in the court and lead the team to back-to-back win.
The Warriors not only possess some fine players in their team roster, but also have an incredible positive mentality, which has helped them achieve so much this season.
"We've been a resilient team all year," AP quoted Curry as saying.
"Obviously with our record we haven't lost two in row all year and there's a reason for that because of our mentality."
Things are quite different for the Hawks, who are currently sixth in the Eastern Conference. They have been below par of late, losing four out of their last five games. Their only victory of late has been against the Chicago Bulls during their poor spell. What makes their task even more difficult is Jeff Teague not sure about his participation in the game. Teague injured his wrist in their last game against Milwaukee Bucks.
Hence, other players such as Al Horford and Paul Millsap need to deliver against the Warriors. Horford is quite worried about his team's results of late.
''This is not the way we pictured it going,'' Horford said. ''We are really in a hole right now.''
Though Warriors are favourites, the home fans will encourage Hawks to come out on top and get back to their winnings ways.
Where to watch live
Atlanta Hawks vs Golden State Warriors live NBA game is scheduled for 8pm ET (6:30 a.m. IST, 9am Philippines) start with live TV coverage in India on Sony Six while the live streaming is available on Sonyliv.
US viewers can watch the Atlanta Hawks vs Golden State Warriors live NBA game on NBA TV.
Viewers in Philippines can watch the Atlanta Hawks vs Golden State Warriors live NBA game on NBA Premium.
Viewers around the world can watch all the NBA live action by live streaming on NBA Online.
