Larry Drew met with the media prior to the Atlanta Hawks' season opener against the Houston Rockets and released a "tentative" starting lineup. According to Drew, the Hawks will begin with Jeff Teague and Devin Harris in the backcourt with Kyle Korver, Josh Smith and Al Horford up front. Drew indicated that he is still going back and forth at the shooting guard position and he could make a change prior to tip off.
Presumedly if Drew elected to make a change then DeShawn Stevenson would likely be inserted into the lineup and would draw the defensive assignment against James Harden. According to Drew, it is the matchup with Harden that is causing him the most worry.
Johan Petro is inactive for tonight's game with a sore back so both rookies John Jenkins and Mike Scott will be in uniform. Patrick Patterson is likely to play tonight for the Rockets according to head coach Kevin McHale but Greg Smith will not be able to suit up.