A look at the matchups in the Eastern Conference semifinal playoff series between the No. 1 Hawks and the No. 5 Wizards:
POINT GUARD
This will be a battle of All-Star point guards. Jeff Teague was strong for the Hawks in their first-round win over the Nets. He didn’t score a point but had 13 assists and was a defensive presence in the clinching win over the Nets. Teague averaged 14.2 points, 7.8 assists, 2.3 rebounds and 2.0 steals in the series. John Wall carried the Wizards to their first-round sweep of the Raptors. Wall averaged 17.3 points, a league-leading 12.5 assists and 4.0 rebounds in the first round. He was the only player to average 17 points and 10 assists in the first round. Teague will get help defensively on Wall but if he can be effective on the ball it will go a long way. Hawks backup point guard Dennis Schroder must protect the ball more than did in the opening round.
Edge: Wizards
SHOOTING GUARD
Kyle Korver averaged 15.5 points in the first-round series against the Nets. His shot grew more consistent as the series progressed and he hit six from long range in the Game 6 clincher. He was strong on the boards as well averaging 6.0 rebounds in the series. The threat of Korver will be a problem for Bradley Beal and the Wizards. Beal had a strong first-round series and led the Wizards in scoring at 20.8 points a game. Korver will get help defensively on Beal and Kent Bazemore figures to pick up some of the load. The Hawks have more depth at the wing.
Edge: Wizards
SMALL FORWARD
DeMarre Carroll had a stellar first-round series and averaged 17.5 points per game in addition to his defensive ability. You might even see Carroll take a turn on Wall if necessary. Carroll has become an offensive threat. He knocked down open 3-pointers and was still a factor cutting to the basket. The Wizards have a veteran in Paul Pierce but his best days are behind him. He averaged 15.5 points in the first round but he will be defended more in this series. A key for the Hawks will to not let Pierce hit some open jumpers and gain confidence. This position is another where the Hawks bench is stronger.
Edge: Hawks
POWER FORWARD
Paul Millsap, the two-time All-Star, seems to be bothered less and less by the shoulder injury that plagued him at the end of the regular season. He can be the Hawks’ go-to guy. Millsap was strong all-around in the first round as he averaged 15.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.2 steals and 1.2 blocks. The Wizards counter with Nene, who is a physical presence. He averaged 8.5 points and 7.0 rebounds in the first round. Millsap’s ability to pull Nene away from the basket will be a big factor. With Kris Humphries and Drew Gooden behind Nene, the Hawks could exploit the matchup with Mike Scott on the outside. They could also use Al Horford at the power forward with Pero Antic, Elton Brand or Mike Muscala at center.
Edge: Hawks
CENTER
Al Horford will be counted on here to win the matchup – especially with his ability to knock down the mid-range jumper. As previously noted, the Hawks have depth and versatility at the position. The Wizards do not. Marin Gortat had a solid first-round series with 17.3 points and 10.0 rebounds. He can be just as effective if the Hawks don’t keep John Wall out of the paint. If Wall doesn’t go all the way to the basket, Gortat is an option on the drive.
Edge: Hawks
BENCH
The Hawks’ bench has been one of its biggest strengths all season. It came under some scrutiny during the first round. While the Hawks did play their starters more minutes, Mike Scott and Kent Bazemore were not consistent shooters and Dennis Schroder turned the ball over too much. The Wizards have limited options of their bench.
Edge: Hawks
COACH
Mike Budenholzer, the NBA Coach of the Year, proved himself playoff savvy with some of the adjustments he made in the first round. Randy Wittman should be commended for the Wizards sweeping the Raptors. The Wizards got off to a 19-6 start to the regular season but were average from then on. They went 10-14 against Eastern Conference playoff teams, including 1-3 against the Hawks.
Edge: Hawks
