Brooklyn Nets (36-26) @ Atlanta Hawks (34-27)

Philips Arena 7:00

TV: YES – RADIO: WFAN 660 AM/101.9 FM

The Brooklyn Nets are going for a three-game winning streak in Atlanta tonight coming off a magical night at the Barclays Center.  Deron Williams got the building rocking with an NBA record nine 3-pointers in the first half and 11 total threes to send the Nets to a blowout win over the Washington Wizards 95-78.

Williams scoring barrage got the Nets out to a 22-2 lead and they didn’t look back in the first half. The Nets, as a team, did not play a good game at all and once again turned the ball over way too much but they did make the plays to keep the lead.  Reggie Evans helped with 24 rebounds and had a Brooklyn moment leaving to a standing ovation for his overall play.  The Nets have turned it over an unbelievable 85 times in their last four games.  This cannot continue.

Joe Johnson is returning to Atlanta tonight for the second time this season and hopes he has a better performance at Philips Arena after he managed 15 points in the January.  Johnson shot 4 for 15 and missed all four looks from long range in his first visit to Atlanta.

Johnson scored a quiet six points in last nights win on 3 for 10 shooting although not much was needed with the “nuclear” shooting Williams.  This can’t happen tonight if the Nets want to go into Atlanta and steal another road win and important conference game. The teams have split the season series to date so this game is critical in the standings right now.

MATCHUP OF THE GAME: Deron Williams vs Jeff Teague

Williams just made an NBA record in 3-pointers last night so his confidence is as high as it can be right now.  The 42 points he scored with 11 3-pointers was a season high and one of his best performances as a Net.  Williams play has skyrocketed since the all-star break in every category although his turnovers are still a problem.  The Hawks are one of the best teams in the league in fast break points and one  main reason is the point guard Jeff Teague.  Teague is getting better and better every game and his leadership has the Hawks right behind the Nets in the standings. He averages 15 points and seven assists and can blow by people at will so this matchup is key for both teams.

STAT FOR TONIGHT: The Nets have lost eight straight in Atlanta, surrendering 109.4 points over that span.

Nets:

None

Hawks: