More worried about IND...

[FCNATL85]

Aside from the Hawks themselves, a real threat for the 8th spot, I will consider IND over NJ. They could gain momenteum very quickly with a vrey favorable calendar...

[JoshB914]

If we can win the next two days, NJ are probably done with the schedule they have coming up. Indiana I am more worried about, but they really aren't a good team and would be far behind if they hadn't somehow won 4 games in a row last week. They remind me a lot of us last year, always in the picture but never a true threat to grab the eighth seed.

The playoffs are the Hawks' for the taking. It's nice to be able to say that.

[D21]

Right, they have a easy schedule with @BOS, @PHI and @WAS as hard games, a win against one of PHI or WAS is possible.

ATL and IND are 1-1 at this moment, so we'll have better to win the remaining game @IND in case of being tied.

[evildallas]

We have our tougher games at home which is a plus, but the real key will be taking care of road games like Memphis, Knicks, and Miami. We can't afford to play down to anyone because it is on the road.

[evildallas]

I think Jermaine O'Neal coming back hurts them.

[conleyorbust]

I think Jermaine O'Neal coming back hurts them.

Oh yeah, aside from the fact that they have played worse with him this season, any time you integrate a peice that big you have some growing pains.

[JoshB914]

I think Jermaine O'Neal coming back hurts them.

+1. JO is a team cancer at this point.

[NetsForce]

I wouldn't call O'neal a cancer but he clearly doesn't fit into Jim O'Brein's run-and-chuck no defense gameplan.

JO is better in the halfcourt than in the open court...

[FCNATL85]

Still think that O'neal is slowing them down? 2 PHI in double figures only.They won with D.
they are in position to win three games which means that we HAVE to win either against BOS or ORL, if not both should we lose to MIA...
IND is a dangerous team right now...

[evildallas]

I gotta admit that playing him 20 minutes a game is working out. I was expecting the me first O'Neal from early in the season that griped about everything, but he's playing much better than I expected. I was wrong about him.

[FCNATL85]

i don't know if we can win against ORL or BOS and in MIA. That's what it will take to be safe.
In the meantime, if we cannot beat BOS at home, should we even go to the PO?

[evildallas]

That's an easy Yes. The players need to experience the playoffs and the level of intensity to continue to develop. If they fail in the last 3 games then it could be a major setback for the players long term.

[cavsfan_osiris]

JO coming off the bench playing limited minutes actually helps them. I agree if he were to start and play heavy minutes he doesn't help Indy right now.

[Skar]

Hawks will most likely choke...make the playoffs or not, wouldn't make a difference because there is no way we can beat Boston in the playoffs. It was a good run while it lasted though. I mean yeah we all want the hawks to make the playoffs and end that 9 yr drought but this team just can't stay hot for long.

[HoopsGuru25]

Why would you be discouraged NOW? Did you honestly think there was ANY chance the Hawks were going to beat Boston(or Detroit)in a 7 game series? You get discouraged when the team does a no show vs Indy in the most important game of the season. This game actually encouraged me. It had a playoff atmosphere and the Hawks played even with Boston's starters. I actually feel like the Hawks showed that they could take a game against Boston. Games 3 and 4 are going to be really exciting.

[amcoolio]

You are welcome.

But, you owe us a first round pick. So pony up.

[Hawks]

It is not over yet. Thanks anyways to the Bobcats for helping.