The Hawks played the Pistons in just the second game of the season, back on Nov. 4. Atlanta was coming off a huge win over Dallas, and for almost four full quarters, they looked like they might beat Detroit as well. But the Pistons took over in the last few minutes and eventually won on a contested foul call that put Chauncey Billups at the free throw line with under a second to play.

That's the closest the Hawks have come to beating the Pistons this year, as neither of the other two contests between the two teams were particularly close.

Atlanta needs a win tonight for several reasons. For one, they need a victory to avoid being swept, something they've managed to avoid since 2000-01. For another, this is the team's last home game until February 27th, as they head out West for another five-game road trip right after the All-Star break.

The Pistons are playing exceptionally well right now, but the Hawks don't scare easily at home. They know what needs to be done tonight. They've got to man up.

Josh Childress discussed it when I talked to him after shootaround, and it was the first thing Bob Bender brought up in Breaking Down The Pistons. Detroit likes to push people around, and if the Hawks want to win tonight, they are going to have to push back.

Atlanta hasn't been able to take care of business on the road as much as they'd like so far this year, so taking care of home is even more important than normal. And despite being 5 games under .500 (4.5 if you count the Miami game), they sit only 1 game out of the 6th spot behind a freefalling Washington.

Two wins to close out the first half (tonight against Detroit and tomorrow at Charlotte) would be a nice way to finish, and would give the team some momentum heading into the toughest stretch of the season.

Come down to Philips tonight to see the guys in action as they try to knock off a team they just may end up facing come playoff time.

See you there!