Bobcats Vs. Hawks Final Score: Atlanta Closes Out Preseason Slate With 92-75 Win

The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Charlotte Bobcats 92-75 in both teams last tune-up before the regular season begins this weekend. The Hawks used a strong third quarter to put some distance between themselves and the Bobcats. 

Josh Smith dropped a reported 30 pounds during the offseason and looks ready for the season to begin finishing with a game-high 21 points on 10-15 shooting. Smith used his quickness to finish Atlanta's break and to sneak in for some key offensive rebounds. Ivan Johnson came off the bench to score 15 points and grab six rebounds as he tried to make his case for one of the final roster spots with the club. Joe Johnson finished with 12 points but was just 3 for 11 from the field. Vladimir Radmanovic tossed in 11 points. 

Starting point guard Jeff Teague sat out the game with a sprained ankle that he suffered in practice on Wednesday. Teague is expected to return for the regular season opener. Thursday's game was the final opportunity for players like Donald Sloan and Brad Wanamaker to make an impression on the Hawks for one of the final roster spots with the club. Ivan Johnson may have stolen the show with two solid performances in both preseason games. 

Corey Maggette led the way for the Bobcats with 18 points and five rebounds. D.J. Augustin and Matt Carroll each finished with nine points. Bismack Biyombo made his Bobcats debut playing 16 minutes and finishing with one point and two rebounds. Biyombo did turn in to emphatic blocked shots in the game. Fellow rookie Kemba Walker finished with eight points on 4-11 shooting. 

The Hawks will open the 2011-2012 regular season on Tuesday, December 27 in New Jersey against the Nets. Atlanta's home opener will be the next night against the Washington Wizards. 

For more on the Atlanta Hawks and the NBA Preseason be sure to check out Peachtree Hoops. For more on the Charlotte Bobcats, check out Rufus On Fire. 

Jeff Teague Injury: Atlanta Point Guard Expected Back For Season Opener

Atlanta point guard Jeff Teague is setting out the Hawks' final preseason game against the Charlotte Bobcats but expects to be ready to go for the season opener on Tuesday against New Jersey. 

Ran into Jeff Teague in tunnel. Said he would be fine for season opener Tues. at NJ. #Hawks

— Michael Cunningham (@ajchawks) December 23, 2011

Atlanta is extremely thin at the point guard position and can ill-afford to lose Teague for any length of time while Kirk Hinrich is out with a shoulder injury. Hinrich is expected to miss about a month after shoulder surgery in the offseason. 

Rookie free agents Donald Sloan and Brad Wanamaker along with second year player Pape Sy have all been vying for time at the point guard position. Atlanta recently signed veteran point guard Jannero Pargo to help provide more depth at the position. Sloan got the start in Teague's place in Thursday's preseason finale. 

For more on the Atlanta Hawks and the NBA Preseason be sure to check out Peachtree Hoops. For more on the Charlotte Bobcats, check out Rufus On Fire. 

Bobcats Vs. Hawks: Atlanta Hosts Charlotte In Preseason Finale

The Atlanta Hawks may be without starting point guard Jeff Teague when they close out their preseason slate Thursday night against the Charlotte Bobcats at Philips Arena.