Joe Johnson returns to give Hawks

[Ruhiel]

J.J. practiced today and said he “definitely” will play against the Magic after missing a game with a sprained right thumb.
“A little sore but it will be all right,” he said. “I have had a couple days to rest so I am sure it will be ready to go.”
Joe said he would probably wear some kind of protective device on the thumb. He said he was able to shoot the ball without problems while participating in the full session.
“He was actually pretty good,” L.D. said. “I asked him how the thumb was and he said it was much better than a couple days ago. That’s good to hear. I thought he shot the ball pretty good today.”
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As late as Sunday Drew did not have a timetable on Sunday for the return of Johnson, who did not accompany the team after spraining his thumb in Saturday night's win over New Jersey. Not only will he return but Joe is expected to start.

Looks like Joe got a little uncomfortable seeing the Hawks play .500 ball without him. If we lose or even worse get blown out, Hawks will doubt Joe's chemistry & leadership if they haven't started doubting already. Without Joe the ball moves more and there is more chemistry. We will be using the big lineup but with Joe instead of Marvin.
What happens to team morale if we lose?
We'll need the refs to help for sure...

[Geaux_Hawks]

We clinched a playoff spot, so shut Joe down till then. The guy has played to many minutes, and has to many nagging injuries..

[evildallas]

I wouldn't risk the thumb on a meaningless game in terms of playoff positioning. And as far as mental edge if he plays and we get smoked then we likely don't enter the playoffs with a mental edge. Just saying he's writing a big check and this time of year I used to his checks bouncing.

[parson]

Sometimes it's for the team ... and sometimes it's for the paycheck.

Joe might be wondering what would happen if Marvelous had another good game posting up SGs.