The Atlanta Hawks meaningless game tour rolls into our Nation's Capital on Saturday. Washington, D.C. is still in business after Republicans and Democrats came to a last-minute deal to avert a government shutdown. The Washington Wizards on the other hand? They've been shut down by the Hawks for three years now.
However, this time the Wizards are facing Kirk Hinrich for the first time since the trade. Jordan Crawford is in a Washington uniform.
Hinrich's Hawks look to match a season-high four game losing streak when they take on the lowly Wizards on Saturday night at the Verizon Center (7:00 p.m., SportSouth, 97.9 FM).
Atlanta has had their way with Washington, posting an astounding 12 straight wins and seven straight at the Verizon Center over the past three-plus years. Of course, the Wizards have not been a very good franchise over that span, while the Hawks have made the playoffs in each season.
However, the Wizards boast one of the best young backcourts in the league. No. 1 pick John Wall is averaging just over 16 points a game in his rookie season, while Crawford has been on fire after he was given an opportunity to start everyday.
The former Hawk -- who was acquired in a five-player deal that shipped Hinrich and Hilton Armstrong to Atlanta -- is averaging 22 points over the last 14 games.
Atlanta will be shorthanded for this one. Josh Smith (sore knee) and Jason Collins (sore ankle) did not make the weekend's road trip to Indianapolis and D.C. Both players are expected to return in time for Monday night's home finale against the Miami Heat.
The Hawks faltered on Friday night, posting a 114-102 loss to the Indiana Pacers. Jeff Teague had 21 points and Joe Johnson 17 in the contest.
Washington is also coming off of a road drubbing, dropping a 104-88 decision to the Boston Celtics.