Hawks @ Orlando Preview

Overall
Orlando: 40-24 (HM 18-12)
Atlanta: 26-36 (RD 7-24)

Last 10
Orlando: 7-3

• Best win: 103-85 @ Detroit. Ended Detroit's 10 game winning streak. Shot 65% from downtown. Held Detroit to 38% FG%.
  
• Worst loss: 95-104 vs. Golden State. Not a terrible loss, but the other two were on road in Toronto and Philly. Outrebounded 44-42. 20 turnovers. Scored only 59 points in last 3 quarters. Still shot 48% from downtown.
  

Hawks: 4-6

• Best win: 117-110 @ Golden State. Really fun to watch. Almost blew another tremendous lead but held on. The Salami actually played and scored 18 points. JJ returned from dead to register 27-8-8 including 3/4 from 3PT. Their starting guards combined for only 61 points.
  
• Worst loss: 93-108 @ Charlotte. Lost to Charlotte.
  

Season Series
Hawks lead 1-0
2 more meetings after tonight (both in Atlanta)

Where the players stand
Has JSmoove been in a coma? He was huge when we beat the Magic in December, but he seems off lately. Bibby too, but he's obviously still ailing from the heel injury. Marvin needs to...um...do something good. Anything. Horford needs to play more than 28 minutes. Joe's been playing great lately. He really looks like he wants it, and by example is the only way the soft-spoken Joe can lead. Chill is the only other player that really exudes urgency right now. Horford probably would if he wasn't on the bench all the time (damn you, Woodson).

Can we win?
Orlando has been holding down 3rd place all year, but Boston and Detroit get all the respect. The Magic can make it rain from beyond the arc (NBA 3rd best 38% on the year) . We cannot (NBA 28th best 34%). If we don't show up focused with a good game plan (I'm looking at you, Woody), expect a ton of wide open bombs from Rashaaaad, Hedo, and crew. We're dogs here, but a win in Orlando is not out of reach. Every win goes a long way towards making the post season, and we can't afford to not be focused or fold when they nail a few 3's in a row (it will happen). We can win, but I don't see it happening tonight. Bottom line, I think Woodson will play a major role in this game, which is always a bad thing. Prove me wrong, Mike.