> A HAWK: Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers knows that NBA fans might remember him best as a New York Knick.

But he's always considered himself a Hawk.

"People see me as a Knick because that was two-and-a-half, three years when we were in the thick of stuff. But I consider myself a Hawk," Rivers said before his Celtics tangled with the Hawks Sunday. "I was there the first eight [NBA] years. They gave me my first check."

Rivers has kept a close eye on the Hawks over the years. And he likes what he sees these days, what with the Hawks hovering on the edge of the playoff race this late in the season for the first time in nearly a decade.

"I like where they are at right now," Rivers said. "They've made some nice moves. [Hawks coach Mike Woodson] has done a terrific job. They're a pretty good basketball team. They're going to be a good team. They are good, young, athletic, and they have some pieces, so their future is extremely bright."

> ACIE STAYS HOME: The Hawks left rookie point guard Acie Law IV home in Atlanta so he could get more treatments on his sprained left wrist, Woodson said.

Law missed his fifth consecutive game Sunday. But Woodson said he expects his backup point guard to be on the floor Tuesday..

> TALL ORDER: Hawks and Celtics in the playoffs?

It could happen. The Hawks are still prowling around that eighth spot. And the Celtics, barring an unforeseen collapse, most likely will finish among the Eastern Conference's top two.

A potential No. 1 vs. No. 8 or Nov. 2 vs. No. 7 matchup in the playoffs is a distinct possibility.

"Making the playoffs has been our goal from the start," Hawks forward Josh Smith said. "It really wouldn't matter to me who we played, as long as we make it. But it would be intriguing because of all the connections."

In addition to Rivers' ties, Smith and Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo were teammates their senior year at Virginia's Oak Hill Academy. And Hawks point guard Mike Bibby's sister is married to Celtics reserve guard Eddie House.

"It could get interesting if it happens," Smith said. "But we need to take care of getting there [the playoffs] before we worry about anything else."