Thousands of basketball fans are expected to jam into downtown Atlanta for tonight's sold-out Game 6 of the NBA playoffs at Philips Arena. Atlanta Hawks and Boston Celtics fans will no-doubt spot high-rise office buildings and hotels still boasting tornado blown-out windows. And with the Downtown Connector being repaved, they'll also likely face long traffic delays. Here's what you need to know to enjoy the festivities — and not foul out doing it.

GETTING THERE

MARTA is the best option. MARTA recommends using the Georgia Dome/Philips Arena/Georgia World Congress Center stop on the east-west line. You could also take a short walk to the sporting complex from the Vine City or Five Points stations, also on the east-west line. If you're coming in from northern or southern suburbs, try getting off at the Peachtree Center station on the north-south line and taking a stroll through Centennial Olympic Park on the way Philips.

If you drive, avoid I-75/I-85. Beginning at 9 p.m. Friday, the Georgia Department of Transportation will close three inside southbound lanes for repaving, said spokeswoman Teri Pope. The DOT suggests using surface streets — including Northside Drive to the west of the Connector, and Peachtree and Spring streets to the east — to get the game. Northbound lanes of the connector will not be affected, Pope said.

Pope suggested calling 511 or logging on to www.511georgia.org to check road conditions before leaving the house.

HOTELS

There are more than 35 hotels within walking distance — or a short cab ride — of Philips Arena, from swanky four-star properties to mid- and low-budget chains and boutique hotels. For a complete list, visit www.atlanta.net.

A check Thursday afternoon found plenty of rooms available at Embassy Suites Hotel at Centennial Olympic Park; Omni Hotel at CNN Center; the Glenn Hotel on Marietta Street; and Days Inn on Spring Street.

BEFORE THE GAME

The Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau lists "50 Fun Things to See & Do" in and around downtown. Close to Philips Arena, there's the new World of Coca-Cola, the Georgia Aquarium, CNN Center and Underground Atlanta. For the kids: Imagine It! The Children's Museum of Atlanta.

The complete list: www.atlanta.net/50funthings.

AFTER THE GAME

There are a variety of bars and night spots not too far from Philips. Stats (300 Marietta St.) is a high-end sports bar featuring at-the-table beer taps and a rooftop terrace. To the east, there's Maxim Prime steakhouse in the Glenn Hotel (110 Marietta St.). It boasts three full bars, including one on the hotel's roof that is open until 2 a.m. Thrive (101 Marietta St.) features a hip late-night crowd, small plates, sushi and a full bar.

MORE CHOICES

For a complete listing of downtown bars and restaurants, click on accessatlanta.com.