| Can the Hawks force bring the series back to Atlanta for Game 7? (Getty Images) |
Previewing Game 6 between the Atlanta Hawks and Boston Celtics.
1. Where We're At: The Hawks staved off elimination but face the real test down 3-2, on the road in Boston vs. a team that knows how to close out their opponent. Pushing this thing back to Atlanta doesn't set up the Hawks brilliantly, considering their lack of homecourt advantage at home, but it's a necessary step and would create more pressure on the Celtics. They're going to get Boston's best swing tonight.
2. The Big Number: (.5). That's the point differential per-minute across two games with a lineup of Jeff Teague, Joe Johnson, Marvin Williams, Josh Smith, and Al Horford on the floor for the Hawks. Teague has been the Hawks' best player, and Horford was the biggest reason the Hawks forced Game 6. Relying on Marvin Williams is a gamble, but it's going to need to be that lineup to take the Hawks back to Atlanta.
3. Key Adjustment: Paul Pierce is going to smell blood. The Hawks have done an excellent job in defending the pick and pop with Garnett in this series, meaning Pierce is their biggest threat. How they attack Pierce trying to get to the elbow will be significant in trying to shut down part of the Celtics' slogging attack in what will be a slow, brutal game.
4. The Big Story: Who's going to be healthy? Ray Allen's ankle is stil sore, Al Horford played extended minutes in his second game back from injury, Josh Smith's knee isn't 100 percent, Paul Pierce's knee isn't 100 percent, the list goes on and on. This is a war of attrition.
5. The Facts: 8 p.m. EST tipoff. Josh Smith, Al Horford, with Marvin Williams, Joe Johnson and Jeff Teague will start for Atlanta, with Horford saying he feels better than expected. Paul Pierce has a sprained MCL, but will start Thursday night. Avery Bradley has a sore rotator cuff, but will also start.