A look at the matchups in the Eastern Conference first-round playoff series between the No. 4 Hawks and the No. 5 Celtics:
POINT GUARD
The entire series may swing on the matchup between starters Jeff Teague and Isaiah Thomas. Both guards make their teams go. Teague was an All-Star last season, and Thomas was an All-Star this season. Teague averaged 13.0 points, 6.3 assists and 2.8 rebounds in 24.8 minutes versus the Celtics this season. Thomas averaged 20.5 points, 6.0 assists and 2.0 rebounds in 31.7 minutes against the Hawks. Thomas set a franchise record this season by leading the Celtics in scoring for 17 consecutive games, surpassing Larry Bird (13).
Thomas has been ailing with a wrist injury. Following Wednesday’s regular-season finale, he told reporters: “It’s hurting, but I’ve just got to figure it out, continue to get treatment, figure out what we’ll do with it the next couple days and there’s no excuses. So I’ll be fine. I’ve just got to work around it.”
ESPN analyst Jalen Rose called Thomas the wild card in the series. The backup matchup also will prove pivotal to the series. Dennis Schroder provides the Hawks with more speed and an ability to break down a defense. Marcus Smart is a tough defender that can cause problems.
Edge: Even
SHOOTING GUARD
Kyle Korver has and will be a focus of the Celtics’ defense for his ability to spread the floor, make 3-pointers and find open teammates when he is closely guarded. Celtics coach Brad Stevens once said if you don’t guard Korver as if he will score 30 points, then he will. He also recently lamented that Korver found Al Horford open for a pair of 3-pointers in a game earlier this season. Korver is 8-of-15 from 3-point range and averaged 10.5 points against the Celtics this season.
For the Celtics, Avery Bradley is capable of getting hot and scoring in bunches. The Hawks cannot afford to lose track of Bradley, who averaged 14.7 points in three games against the Hawks this season. The reserves will be an interesting part of this matchup as well. Tim Hardaway Jr. left the Hawks’ regular-season finale with a hamstring injury. His status will be important for the Hawks, who would get the edge if Hardaway was 100 percent. The Celtics can counter with a number of wing players at shooting guard present matchup problems.
Edge: Even
SMALL FORWARD
Kent Bazemore would have his hands full with Jae Crowder. At 6-foot-5, 201 pounds, Bazemore is giving up an inch of height and 34 pounds to Crowder. Bazemore will have to use his athletic ability to his advantage. Bazemore averaged 16.0 points in three games against the Celtics this season, his third highest against any team and best against an Eastern Conference opponent.
Bazemore said Friday that he would draw the defensive assignment of guarding Bradley.
Crowder is the Celtics’ defensive stalwart. Their defensive efficiency noticeably slipped when he missed games earlier this season with an injury. Crowder averaged 15.3 points and 7.0 rebounds in four games against the Hawks.
The reserves also make this matchup one to watch. The Hawks bring Thabo Sefolosha off the bench for defense although he is capable of scoring some when left open or when he cuts to the basket. The Celtics bring Evan Turner off the bench for offense. The Hawks know all about that as he hit a buzzer-beating game-winner against them in Boston last season.
Edge: Even
POWER FORWARD
Paul Millsap is a three-time All-Star. Amir Johnson is not. Millsap is the Hawks’ best player with a versatile season stat line of per 36 minutes of 18.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.9 blocks. Against the Celtics this season he averaged 22.5 points and 10.3 rebounds. He averaged more only against the Raptors. Millsap will stretch the floor against the Celtics and his defense will be an issue for them. He is a major part of the reason the Hawks have the No. 2-ranked defensive efficiency in the NBA. Johnson averaged 7.3 points and 6.4 rebounds.
Mike Scott will play a role off the bench for the Hawks. He is capable of getting hot and making 3-pointers but he has been streaky this season. The Celtics have the versatility to play Jared Sullinger at the power forward and Kelly Olynyk at center for a size advantage.
Edge: Hawks
CENTER
Al Horford, the four-time All-Star, will stretch the floor for a big game. That perhaps was one of the reasons the Celtics were rumored to be so interested in him at the trade deadline. Horford made 88 3-pointers this season. He had a total of 65 3-pointers in his previous eight seasons. Horford averaged 15.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.5 blocks this season. He averaged 14.5 points, 7.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists (highest against any opponent) versus the Celtics. Sullinger, who averaged 10.3 points and 8.3 rebounds this season, is capable of presenting problems for the Hawks inside.
The Hawks have options off the bench with Kris Humphries for strength or Mike Muscala for height. Both are capable of hitting 3-pointers. You could see Millsap at center if the Celtics use a smaller rotation. For the Celtics, Olynyk is a seven-footer capable of stepping outside.
Edge: Hawks
BENCH
The Hawks’ bench usually is a strength, but the unit has been inconsistent down the stretch of the season. They will need to produce — on offense and defense — if the Hawks are to prevail in this series. The Celtics’ bench is not as deep.
Edge: Hawks
COACH
Mike Budenholzer and Brad Stevens are two of the top young coaches in the league. Budenholzer has, on several occasions, credited the different schemes, rotations and looks the Celtics use during a game. Budenholzer studied under Gregg Popovich. That helps.
Edge: Hawks
PREDICTION
The Hawks have a clear advantage in the frontcourt. They can, and should, take advantage of that. They will need to slow Thomas without offering much defensive help. The Hawks will steal a game in Boston and win in six, 4-2.
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