There hasn't really been a "regular" lineup for the Hawks this season because coach Larry Drew has used several different combinations.
But Drew said the lineup he has used for the past two games is now the "regular" lineup: point guard Kirk Hinrich, shooting guard Joe Johnson, small forward Marvin Williams, power forward Josh Smith and Al Horford at center.
"This is probably how we are going to finish out the regular season," Drew said before the Hawks.
Drew has used 14 different starting lineups this season, with roughly four of those necessitated by injuries or suspensions. The positions have fluctuated, too: Johnson and Smith have played small forward, Williams has played shooting guard and Horford has played power forward.
Drew said there are certain games when he still may use a "big" lineup with Jason Collins or Zaza Pachulia at center. He said Pachulia, guard Jamal Crawford and swingman Damien Wilkins are "for sure" among the bench rotation and guard Jeff Teague and Collins also could get minutes.
It's uncommon for surefire playoff teams to make so many lineup changes and to be still doing it this late in the season. Drew said it could be advantageous for the Hawks during the postseason.
"We've already tweaked and juggled the lineup," Drew said. "We have put different guys in different spots. So if we make the decision to do it in the playoffs, it won't be a surprise to anybody."
No rest for weary
With 11 games to go after the game against Chicago, it increasingly looks as if the Hawks will finish in fifth place in the Eastern Conference. They are 4 1/2 games behind Orlando and the same number of games ahead of Philadelphia.
The Hawks have some nagging injuries, but Drew said he wouldn't give players games off even if the Hawks are locked into the fifth seed before the end of the regular season.
"We have got to heal more so mentally than physically and reestablish ourselves," he said. "We have got to gain momentum back we once had."
