That in itself is going to be tough, especially considering Al Horford is out due to suspension, Josh Childress is out with a strained groin, and T-Lue is still out as well. Zaza Pachulia will be back, but since it's his first game back after missing 5 straight dealing with a concussion I don't know how much we can expect from him either.

Honestly? I'm willing to give the team a pass in advance tonight, provided they come home and take care of business tomorrow night against Charlotte.

I'm not saying the team shouldn't try to compete tonight, I'm just saying that in the grand scheme of things, if I had to choose one leg of a back-to-back to focus on, I'd take Charlotte here every time.

Don't get me wrong, I want to beat Detroit. We got hosed against them in the Motor City, and they whupped us but good at Philips. But let's be honest - it's Detroit. At this point, they are supposed to beat us.

Charlotte on the other hand - well, we all know how badly I want to beat them this year (and if you don't, I will reiterate - I really want to beat Charlotte this year). We got the first one in pretty good fashion. Saturday night will be the Bobcats second visit to Philips, and it's particularly important the Hawks win given that the last two meetings of the season will be on the road.

Maybe I'm being silly, but I firmly believe we need to go at least 3-1 against them this season if we want to make the playoffs. I just view them as a microcosm of the whole schedule, that's all.

Anyway, my overall point is this - the Hawks need a split this weekend at worst, and given the lack of bodies for tonight, I hope we fight the good fight but leave enough in reserve to take care of business at home tomorrow.

Catch all the action tonight at 8:00 ET on FSN, and then come out tomorrow to Philips to cheer on your Hawks.

See you there!

Oh, and some links: