I am pumped for tonight's game at New Jersey. I don't know how many times I've jumped on and off the Hawks' bandwagon this season, but if they get a win tonight, I'll be chloroforming the driver and taking over the reins myself.

This game is...huge. The Nets are a game behind the Hawks in the Eastern Conference standings. A win tonight puts them two back, which isn't a ton but also isn't nothing. More importantly, it will give the Hawks a split in the season series and will keep the Nets from owning that most important tie-breaker.

There are many, many things playing in Atlanta's favor going into tonight, which makes me nervous. The Nets played (and lost badly) last night. Devin Harris hurt his ankle and may not play. The Hawks are rested and confident after three straight wins. Clearly this is a game the Hawks could, if not should win. That kind of scenario has been the team's achilles heel so far this season (see losses to Clippers, Sonics, and Bobcats). Still, if the Hawks are going to be a playoff team, at some point they have to start winning those games.

I've said frequently that I think the confidence of a young team is something that can come and go quickly. It's a blessing and a curse. A team as young and inexperienced as the Hawks is capable of playing quite well for a period of time and then falling quickly into a funk for no apparent reason (as we saw at the end of December). The reverse is true as well though - a team could suffer through a cold stretch like the Hawks did after the All-Star break and then break out of it at a moment's notice by stringing a couple wins together.

Atlanta has looked like a different team the last three games out. They are defending with passion, getting open looks for each other, and scoring as efficiently as they have all season. If they can continue to do those things moving forward, not only is a playoff spot in the future but perhaps a higher seeding as well.

But, first things first, the team must win tonight's game against the Nets. Sure, the playoffs are still possible if they lose, but with a win tonight they can make a statement that will make their competitors sit up and take notice.

Tune it at 7:30 on FSN for all the action, and let's see the Hawks finish off a huge 3-0 road trip!

Games To Watch

Denver At Philadelphia
Desired Outcome: It's Allen Iverson's return to Philly, which means the boo birds will be out in the City of Brotherly Love (even moreso than usual). The Sixers have been playing pretty good basketball of late, while Denver just hung 168 on Seattle on Sunday. The Nuggets are only 12-20 on the road, but are desperate for wins as they try to claw their way back into the playoff race in the West. Let's hope AI makes his return to Philly a triumphant one.
Probable Outcome: The Nuggets got drilled last night in Detroit, which either means they'll be tired tonight or out to make up for it. I'd like to think they can win this one, but Philly has been pretty tough of late. I give it to the Sixers.