Game 5 thread: Atlanta @ Boston

[gsuteke]

VS

@

With their marquee trio leading the way, the Celtics look to open with four straight wins for the first time in 20 seasons when they host the Atlanta Hawks on Friday.

Atlanta has held its own during a brutal early stretch that included an opening-night home win over Dallas, followed by road losses to Detroit and New Jersey by a total of six points.

"We should be 4-0," said Josh Smith, who is averaging 17.8 points and 9.5 rebounds. "We feel good about our chances this year."

Atlanta's chance to contend for its first playoff spot since 1998-99 would increase if it can play better on the road. The Hawks won 96-93 over the Los Angeles Clippers on Feb. 14 for their most recent victory away from home.

The Hawks split two games at Boston last season while going 3-1 overall against the Celtics.

ESPN.com Atlanta/Boston Preview

Factoid of the day: Against Denver Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce combined for 71 points as the Celtics shot 64.5 percent from the field -- including 72 percent in a 77-point first half.

Previous 3 boxscores for each team:

ATL Vs PHX ATL @ NJ ATL @ DET

BOS Vs DEN BOS @ TOR BOS Vs WAS

Team Statistics

Atlanta

Boston

Key injuries

James Posey out

Zaza Pachulia in

The Atlanta Hawks visit the Fleet Center tonight for a matchup against the Boston Celtics, or should I say the Big 3...

Something that must be remembered when facing the Celtics is that basketball is a team sport. The Atlanta Hawks have just that, a team. Under the guidance of the "Evil Genius" Billy Knight

In fact it is thought around the league that Atlanta has indeed the best young talent in the NBA outside of the Bulls. To illustrate the point one doesn't have to dig far to find these photos

On the flip side the Celtics are built to "win now." They have no other choice. They'll be looking like this guy in to time at all.

Speaking of Kevin Garnett who does he think he is anyhow? If a stiff wind came along they'd have to send out an amber alert for this guy. The "Big Ticket" my @ss. Can you imagine what he'd look like in these shorts?

In case the Celtics are getting blown out in the 2nd half because KG and Ray Allen miss the game due to limited handicapped parking everyone can relax as there will be entertainment on hand. Did anyone see this chick at Phillips last year against the Cavs? She was impressive!

Speaking of chicks and KG's weight, wouldn't it make sense to have big basketball players and small cheerleaders? Apparently the Celtics haven't caught on.

Ms. Courtney not only has a little pudge she's also sporting the 1970s County & Western hair. NICE!

Speaking of Pudge what's up with this chick? Got biscuits and gravy? I know they say the women up North are on the ugly side but damn, step up your game #95!

Look, here's my take. I'm allright with big ladies. While I'm personally not into them I understand folks like Walter need love too. All I'm saying is if you're going to be big atleast be entertaining.

All I can say is hopefully the game will be as good as the Chinese lady. Seriously.

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[BusBoyIsBack]

This stuff is hilarious

Where do you come up with this stuff?

And why is this game so close but so far away?

[gsuteke]

Thanks. It's just whatever hits me at the moment.

If I ever take the time to figure out photo editing I will be dangerous.

[atlhawks4life]

This game does seem far away. It feels like its been hours. BTW, nice thread. Glad you didnt stop making them since there was no one else.

[bumpyphish1]

so do we have a chance tonight? of course we do; this is the nba. but...i am expecting a loss. If we win, thats just bonus. we gotta take down washington sunday though.

to beat boston, we need to run and wear em down.

[gsuteke]

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so do we have a chance tonight? of course we do; this is the nba. but...i am expecting a loss. If we win, thats just bonus. we gotta take down washington sunday though.

to beat boston, we need to run and wear em down.

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Up and down. Up and down. make them play on both ends of the floor. Don't underestimate the importance of James Posey being out either.

[AnnArborHawk]

Great stuff...always entertaining.

[AnnArborHawk]

Only suggestion is you might add something about Kevin McHale donating players as part of the Celtics Alumni Giving Back program

[exodus]

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Speaking of Kevin Garnett who does he think he is anyhow? If a stiff wind came along they'd have to send out an amber alert for this guy. The "Big Ticket" my @ss

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I have stood right next to Garnett at a gym and he looks even skinnier in person. it looked like he would fall down if i leaned up against him.

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They'll be looking like this guy in to time at all.

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I really resemble that remark.

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I know they say the women up North are on the ugly side but damn

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Slow your roll. You are treading on thin ice now buddy.

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Look, here's my take. I'm allright with big ladies. While I'm personally not into them I understand folks like Walter need love too.

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You just couldn't resist could you. See if that comment makes him show up in a game thread.

Nice job

[AnakinJoe]

OUTSTANDING!!!!!!!!!

[DJlaysitup]

You got talent Teke! You could head out to Hollywood and be a "replacement writer" on a comedy show!

[JJJJ]

Is Zaza going to play?

[JJJJ]

Anyone know?

[TheNorthCydeRises]

. . let's see if it matters. Hawks were down by 1 when he left the game.

[exodus]

Horford picked a nice game to start scoring.

[Guest MLibid]

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Is Zaza going to play?

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No, he's out until late mid-November.

[Admin]

It's got to be something to do with our porous defense and Marvin missing his assignments or something ... unless Marvin is out of gas or injured which I don't think is the case.

[JJJJ]

Its pretty obvious that Woody believes Marvin can be the go to guy. He takes him out early to make sure that Marv is in the game when JJ, Smoove, etc go to the bench.

[JJJJ]

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Is Zaza going to play?

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No, he's out until late mid-November.

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I thought there was a chance he played tonight?

[DrReality]

Horf is not playing like a rookier. Went right up against KG with no fear. Another rebound. Holding his own abainst Perkins.