RealGM

The Washington Wizards look slightly different from the last time they met the Atlanta Hawks. A trade deadline deal with the Denver Nuggets jettisoned JaVale McGee and replaced him with Nene who doesn't possess the upside of McGee but nonetheless a solid center at both ends of the floor when healthy.

Hawks center Zaza Pachulia sat out Friday night's game with a sore Achilles but is on the trip to Washington and I got the feeling on Friday that he will suit up on Saturday but he is still likely to be a game-time decision. Atlanta's win over the Nets Friday night illustrates how important Pachuliia is as New Jersey was able to pound the Hawks on the glass and were able to keep themselves in the game.

Atlanta has won 14 of 15 in the series with the Wizards and both meetings this season. Atlanta's only loss came at the end of last season on the Hawks last trip to the Verizon Center.