With Danny Green out, the Hawks must attack Korkmaz and Curry

In Game 3’s victory, the Philadelphia 76ers played really well all-around, but they did suffer a major loss in the first couple of minutes of this game. Danny Green went down with a right calf injury and did not return to this game. Later on, it was revealed that Green suffered a right calf strain and would be sidelined for likely 2-3 weeks. 

This is a big blow to the 76ers not only because of the veteran and championship experience that Green brings to them, but because he is one of their better defenders next to Ben Simmons. From guarding Trae Young to shading onto Bogdan Bogdanovic and other Hawks’ shooters at times, Green has had a lot of success in this series as a perimeter defender, but without him, Atlanta could have an edge on offense. 

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Without Green, this means that guys like Seth Curry, Furkan Korkmaz, Shake Milton and Matisse Thybulle will all see more time on the wing for the 76ers, which fairs well for the Hawks. Thybulle is one of the best defenders in the entire NBA, so whoever he is guarding likely will not be much of a factor, but the other three guys mentioned are not known to be strong defenders. 

That is why the Hawks must target guys like Furkan Korkmaz and Seth Curry when they are the primary defenders on guys like Bogdan Bogdanovic, Kevin Huerter and Lou Williams. Korkmaz and Curry are not good defenders and given that Atlanta has struggled offensively the last two or so games, this is a great opportunity for them to attack Philadelphia. 

This especially fairs well for them if they can get Ben Simmons and Matisse Thybulle in foul trouble again, like they were in Game 3. Thybulle fouled out of Game 3’s victory and Ben Simmons finished with 5 personal fouls, which is why Atlanta could be looking to attack the paint every chance they get in order to have Philly have foul problems again. 

Danny Green being out presents a great opportunity for the Hawks to get things going again offensively and while it may not seem like a big loss for the 76ers given that Green has not been that productive offensively, he has been one of their anchors on the defensive-end of the court. It should be interesting to see what adjustments the Hawks make offensively in Game 4 to not only be more aggressive in terms of driving the ball, but attacking Philly’s defenders on the wing.