If the Atlanta Hawks want to beat the New Orleans Hornets on Friday night, they're going to have to do it without two of their starters. As expected, Atlanta will be without starting center/forward Al Horford, who will miss the game with a sprained right ankle. Marvin Williams, will also miss his 10th straight game with a back injury.
Maurice Evans will take Williams' place at the small forward while Jason Collins will start for Horford at center. Joe Johnson, Josh Smith and Mike Bibby will be the other starters for the Hawks.
Williams is closer to returning. He did participate in shootaround before the game, but is not quite back in game shape. Horford is also expected to miss Saturday night's matchup against the Charlotte Bobcats at the Time Warner Cable Arena.
New Orleans will counter with Quincy Pondexter and David West at forward, Emeka Okafor at center and Marco Belinelli and Chris Paul at the guards. Marcus Banks and Aaron Gray are inactive for New Orleans, which is in the midst of a six-game winning streak.