Before we get to tonight's game, a couple links for you to enjoy:

First of all, if you don't get Sports Illustrated, check out this feature on Mike Bibby's impact on the Hawks by Chris Mannix in this week's issue.. I have to say - one of the best ancilary benefits to winning is the attention it brings, and people are actually starting to notice us now that we have one of the best records in the NBA. Not everyone is noticing us, but some of that can be attributed to the fact that most of our players avoid the limelight. One such player is Joe Johnson, who Chris Webber spoofed on NBA TV on Tuesday night. It was pretty funny, mostly because it's kinda true. Don't worry though - plenty of people will be reminded of Joe's capabilities once the playoffs come around. You know, cause he does stuff like this:

But anyway, onto tonight. As I discussed with Hawks assistant coach Jim Todd today in Breaking Down the Magic, Orlando presents a tough set of choices in trying to defend them. Do you double-team Dwight Howard in the post as much as possible, allowing open looks on the perimeter for the Magic's bevy of three-point bombers? Or do you take your chances one-on-one with Howard and focus on the perimeter, giving him the chance to dominate you inside with dunks and offensive rebounds. It ain't an easy call, and however you choose it may not matter, as the Magic have raced to a 27-8 record, good for third-best in the East.

One thing I know for sure is, expect to see Dwight Howard on the free throw line, and expect to see the Hawks frontcourt depth used liberally. Especially with Zaza Pachulia out with the flu (Marvin Williams will play though), I think you'll see Randolph Morris and Solomon Jones getting physical with Superman whenever they are in the game tonight.

Whichever way the Hawks decide to defend the Magic, the most important factor I see in determining the outcome tonight will be the battle of the boards. The Magic live and die by the three at times, and if the Hawks can manage to control the long caroms and not give up too many second-chance opportunities inside, this is a game they can and should win.

It should be interesting though - Orlando has been the league's best road-team so far, while the Hawks have been one of the top home teams, so something's gotta give.

Come on down to Philips Arena to check out all the action, but if you can't, then remember tonight's broadcast will be in HD (woohoo!).