TV: League Pass
- Early indications (i.e., a slew of fans streaming into Philips Arena) were that the Hawks were going to draw a much bigger-than-usual crowd Friday night for their game with the Knicks, and Atlanta head coach Larry Drew said, “we’re expecting a New York crowd.” Plenty of those fans figure to be disappointed before the outcome is even known, though, because point guard Jeremy Lin will miss his third straight game because of somewhat mysterious problems with his left knee. Knicks interim coach Mike Woodson — the former Hawks coach — said, “I believe he has had an MRI,” yet said nothing more about the injury itself other than, “he tweaked it.” Baron Davis is expected start at point guard for the Knicks although Woodson said he’ll have to monitor Davis’ playing time. He averaged 12 points and 6.5 assists in the two previous games. Former Hawk Mike Bibby will likely backup.
- Hawks All-Star center Al Horford, who’s been out since tearing a pectoral muscle in early January, has begun lifting weights. He hopes to play by the end of the season, but that’s far from a guarantee.
- Reserve small forward Vladimir Radmanovic will miss his fourth straight game for Atlanta with a tight back. Atlanta is also still without reserve point guard Jannero Pargo (appendectomy), although Pargo may be recovering quickly enough to return to action next week.
- The Knicks will again be without forward Amar’e Stoudemire (bulging disc in back) and forward Jared Jeffries (sore right knee).
- A blog in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution suggests that the relationship between Woodson and his successor as the Hawks’ coach, Drew, is beyond frosty — as in over. Link here.
– Matt Winkeljohn
