RealGM

With or without Smoove, do we have what it takes to stay on top on them throughout the game?

We have shown quite a few weaknesses on this trip and was just wondering if we were indeed playing well enough to expect a competitive game tonight?

Nothing specific comes to mind; just all out effort throughout the 4 quarters and not get behind by more than a couple of buckets.

WIthout Nene I think the Hawks match up decently. They should be able to put Horford on Kmart and let Smith slough off of Andersen or Petro on help defense which should reduce Carmelo's effectiveness. Billups isn't the kind of quick guard that Bibby gets destroyed by. JR smith shouldn't be able to stop JJ without a lot of help.

No NENE and heres what Vegas thinks about Atlanta.

Denver favored by 8 points.

O/U 203½

I always liked our chances when AI was in Denver. Nowadays, not so sure. I've not watched them play much this year, but I see there good record.

More telling is that it's the last game on the road trip with 2 tough games at home this weekend. The team always had trouble manning up for these getaway games during the Woodson era. It's one of those situations that requires some motivation skills from the coach. Woodson has made it clear over the years that he expects guys to motivate themselves.

Josh Smith will not be suspended for his flagrant foul on Matt Harpring, but still won't play on Wednesday versus the Nuggets due to a personal matter.

http://www.ajc.com/services/content/spo ... 7&cxcat=21

Bibby (flu) game-time decision versus Nuggets

http://www.ajc.com/services/content/spo ... 7&cxcat=21

At full strength it is a very tough matchup... Without Smith and possibly Bibby NO WAY!

However, Law should be able to get abused less by Billups than Bibby would

We'll surely put Joe on Billups and Bibby on Dahntay Jones. At least that's what happened last time we played them.