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- The Hawks will start a “big” lineup Wednesday when the Heat visit. The idea isn’t so much to clog the paint, but to make life at least a little more difficult for LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. Atlanta coach Larry Drew told reporters at the afternoon shootaround that the goal of starting DeShawn Stevenson (6-5) at shooting guard and Josh Smith (6-9) at small rather than power forward was made with the Miami superstars very much in mind. “Size-wise you need someone who can match up against [James],” Drew said. With Zaza Pachulia making a rare start at center, Al Horford will move down to power forward opposite Chris Bosh. The only Atlanta starter who will open in his usual spot will be point guard Jeff Teague.
- Devin Harris, who has often started at shooting guard for the Hawks, will be available Wednesday but his playing time is likely to be limited as he continues to struggle with a sore right foot. Kyle Korver, who often starts at small forward, will play.
- Heat forward Udonis Haslem has been working to mend a leg contusion, but will start at power forward. Atlanta likely will cross-match when the Heat have the ball, with Pachulia defending Haslem at times as Horford tracks Bosh.
- Miami guard Mike Miller will not play. He is ill.
- The Heat have won seven straight games, beaten the Hawks five straight times, and won their last six games in Atlanta’s Philips Arena.
– Matt Winkeljohn
