ROTATION: Starters -- Point guard Mike Bibby, Shooting guard Joe Johnson, Small forward Marvin Williams, Power forward Josh Smith, Center Al Horford. Bench -- Guard Flip Murray, Guard Acie Law IV, Guard Mario West, Guard Mo Evans, Guard Speedy Claxton, Forward Thomas Gardner, Forward Othello Hunter, Forward Solomon Jones, Forward Zaza Pachulia, Center Randolph Morris.
PLAYER NOTES: --C Zaza Pachulia can be his usual active self so long as he stays out of foul trouble. That's been easier said than done for Pachulia, who is currently in the starting lineup while Josh Smith recovers from a high ankle sprain. Pachulia has to find a way to steer clear of the touch fouls that keep him on the bench, especially now that he's running with the first five.
--G Acie Law doesn't look the same. That glorious preseason run that had Law brimming with confidence has ground to a halt since the regular season began. Law's not playing with the same pop and he's not driving and creating when he's on the floor now, a noticeable difference from the swagger he showed in October.
--G Mo Evans has seen his shooting stroke come and go this season. Tuesday night he was on, particularly in the first half. He made three of his first four shots and had seven points before halftime. When he puts together consistent halves and games like that, then he'll be the effective super sub the Hawks need him to be.
MEDICAL WATCH:
--F Josh Smith is out for two to four weeks (high ankle sprain) and could miss as many as 15 games. Smith is not with the team on this week's road trip. He stayed back in Atlanta for daily treatments on his left ankle.
