Preview: The 8-4 Hawks started the season by winning their first three, four of their first five and seven of their first 10, but they took a big hit when starting center Al Horford tore a pectoral muscle in Wednesday's loss at Indiana. He is expected to miss at least three months. ...The Hawks have won the past 10 meetings between the teams and have won eight consecutive in Atlanta. The Wolves' last victory against the Hawks came in April 2006, and they haven't won at Philips since November 2002.
Player to watch: Atlanta F Josh Smith is averaging 24 points and shooting .631 from the field in his past five games. He has shot better than 50 percent in all five games and became the first player since Hakeem Olajuwon in 1993 to reach 25 points, five rebounds, five assists, six blocks and four steals in a game. He did so playing just 34 minutes.
Did you know? G Tracy McGrady, questionable because of back spasms, played for Rick Adelman in Houston.
Injuries: Wolves G J.J. Barea (sprained ankle), F Michael Beasley (sprained foot), G Malcolm Lee (knee surgery), G Martell Webster (back surgery) and C Brad Miller (knee surgery) are out. Horford and Kirk Hinrich (shoulder surgery) and F Marvin Williams (sprained ankle) are out.
JERRY ZGODA
