After a thrilling victory over one potential rookie of the year candidate, the Hawks are set to face another one on Saturday night when they travel to Washington D.C. to take on John Wall and the Washington Wizards. Hawks have been good, really good, against the Wizards of late having won the last 11 meetings between the two clubs. Both teams played on Friday night with the Hawks winning in thrilling fashion over the Clippers and Orlando blowing out the Wizards at the Verizon Center.
The availability of Hawks All Star Center Al Horford isn't known after he suffered a hard fall and apparent back injury with 0.6 seconds remaining in the Hawks game against the Clippers. With the Hawks trailing 100-99, Horford drove hard to the basket where he was fouled by Blake Griffin and landed flat on his back. Griffin was assessed a flagrant foul on the play as Horford remained on the ground for several minutes. Al was able to get up and proceeded to make both free throws giving the Hawks the victory. He received treatment following the game.
The Wizards have suffered through a miserable season going 13-36 and having lost seven straight. While Nick Young is enjoying his finest season and could be the NBA's most improved player, tonight all eyes will be on rookie point guard John Wall. Wall scored 14 points and dished out five assists in last night's loss to the Magic but poses that difficult match-up problem for the Hawks at the point guard position.
Atlanta is currently in fourth place in the Eastern Conference three games behind the Chicago Bulls and one half game in front of the Orlando Magic. The Hawks have enjoyed some success on the road this season going 15-11 away from Philips Arena which is tied for the second most road victories in the Eastern Conference.
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