The Essentials:
Wizards (5-8) at Hawks (8-7)
8 p.m.
Phillips Arena
TV: TNT
Radio: 106.7 The Fan
Notable early Hawks numbers this season
12th in expected winning percentage (.514)
24th in pace factor (90.6 possessions per game
6th in offensive efficiency (109 points/100 possessions)
18th in defensive efficiency (108.6 points/100 possessions
| Tonight's Starters | ||
|---|---|---|
| Wizards | vs. | Hawks |
| John Wall | PG | Mike Bibby |
| Gilbert Arenas | SG | Joe Johnson |
| Kirk Hinrich | SF | Marvin Williams |
| Andray Blatche | PF | Josh Smith |
| JaVale McGee | C | Al Horford |
Don't be so quick to count this one in the loss column. Atlanta is 2-7 since a 6-0 start, and they got absolutely obliterated by the Celtics on Monday night and lost to New Jersey on Tuesday night. Al Horford is having an excellent season, but Josh Smith is back to being confusing and Joe Johnson is shooting just 41 percent from the field, with his typical ball-dominating and inability to get to the line. JaVale McGee always plays well against the Hawks, and he's playing out of his mind now. So who knows.
The bad news is that Al Thornton will miss at least the next two games with a sprained ankle. This is leading Flip Saunders to consider going back to that three-guard lineup.
Saunders wouldn't confirm, but Thornton's injury opens the possibility for the Wizards to finally start their three guards -- John Wall, Gilbert Arenas and Kirk Hinrich -- against the Hawks. Saunders said the team would continue to monitor Wall's minutes as he recovers from a sprained left foot. Wall scored 25 points off the bench against Philadelphia and was able to participate in the morning shootaround after developing some leg cramps in overtime.
Nick Young has been effective the past few games, but the team has been pleased with him coming off the bench and providing scoring.
So there's that, which I'm not sure I like. Also, Yi Jianlian continues to be out and will be "for a while," says Flip. I guess that's alright if it means more Trevor Booker.
Anyway, game's at 8 on TNT. Enjoy Turkey, enjoy the Wizards, and I'll see you all then.
GO WIZARD!