AJC: Atlanta Hawks at Celtics: Can they do it without J.J. and Jamal?

[Hawksquawk]

Boston–Jamal is out with a sore back. J.J. is back in Atlanta.

Is there any chance the Hawks can go back home with a W?

Under the best circumstances, it would be difficult for the Hawks to do it; it will be dang tough while missing an All-Star and Sixth Man Award winner. Then again, somehow win this one and it really would mean redemption for that Nov. 22 surrender at Philips.

On Boston’s side, Rondo says he’s in despite a balky ankle. Shaq says he’s out. Even if Shaq plays, L.D. said plans to send out the big lineup with Twin at center.

“I want to play Al at the four,” Drew said. “The rookie [Semih Erden] is real long. I like the matchup better moving Smoove to three and Marvin to two; it gives us an advantage on the offensive end. We will match up Smoove on Pierce [to] put a little length on him to see if that bothers him. We will try to do some thing offensively with Allen having to defend Marvin. See if we can create an advantage size-wise with that.”

Maybe the Celtics …

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