Hawks found a defensive spark, will look to carry it forward

Up ahead

This week, the Hawks conclude their season series against the Pacers with a pair of meetings. But the Hawks also look to even their series against the Celtics, followed by their first regular-season meeting against the Rockets.

The Hawks also get an update on the status of Kristaps Porzingis (left Achilles tendinitis) and Zaccharie Risacher (left knee bone bruise) on Monday.

Monday vs. Pacers

The Hawks already played the Pacers at the end of October, winning 128-108. Since then, the Pacers have gone 11-30 and have the second-worst record in the Eastern Conference.

The Pacers come to Atlanta fresh off a win over the Thunder, despite having the league’s worst offense over the last two weeks. The Pacers have scored an average of 105.6 points per 100 possessions over their last seven games.

The Hawks haven’t fared that much better in that same span. So, the Hawks’ margin for error remains small.

Wednesday at Celtics

The Hawks had one of their worst outings of the season when they hosted the Celtics on Jan. 17. They trailed by as many as 43 points, gave up 22 3-pointers and provided little resistance.

The Celtics have the fourth-best record in the NBA, rank second in the Eastern Conference and have the fifth-best defense over the last two weeks.

Thursday vs. Rockets

The Hawks played the Rockets twice during the exhibition season, falling in each meeting. But the Hawks look a little different, with a little more size on the roster following the trade of Trae Young to the Wizards.

The Rockets have been without backup Steven Adams, who has given the Hawks trouble on the offensive glass.

But the Rockets still rank in the top half of the league in defense over the last two weeks, giving up 114 points per 100 possessions.

Saturday at Pacers

This will be the final meeting between the two teams of the season. The Pacers will have had three days of rest, though, before hosting the Hawks for this matchup at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.