AJC: Magic at Meaning and matchups

[Hawksquawk]

The Hawks sure do sound confident about playing the Magic. Not that I thought they’d say they are worried or anything but a more measured tone might be expected after last spring’s beat down, the extenuating circumstances surrounding the three previous meetings this season and Atlanta’s issues since the All-Star break.

It’s that last part that had Smoove playing down what tonight’s game might mean for the likely rematch in the playoffs.

“The playoffs and regular season are completely different,” he said. “We just want to play consistently right now.”

L.D. and J.J., meanwhile, obliged media types looking for that playoffs angle.

Joe: “We’ve played them pretty well during the regular season. Obviously the playoffs are a lot different but we know we can play this team.”

Drew: “I think it’s definitely a carryover. We want to approach this game like it has true meaning, which it does. Win, lose or draw we have to come out and establish ourselves and compete and play hard. The last …

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