Hawks' Pachulia bummed about Kovalchuk trade

Among those disappointed to see Thrashers forward Ilya Kovalchuk get traded was perhaps the Thrashers' tallest fan, Hawks center Zaza Pachulia. The two athletes and their families are friends, attending the others' games at Philips Arena. "He wanted me to stay here [when Pachulia was a free agent last summer], and I wanted the same for him," Pachulia said. "We both understand it's a business, and I hope that he's going to find his home and he'll be happy wherever he goes to."

• Snow plan: Because of the impending snow storm in the Middle Atlantic states, the Bulls did not fly to Washington after the game for their Saturday game against the Wizards, as was scheduled. The Hawks' plan was to fly Saturday morning. The Wizards were in the same predicament with a Friday night game in Orlando, and also planned to fly back Saturday morning.
• Idol vistor: American Idol sensation "General" Larry Platt made an appearance at the game, performing "Pants on the Ground" during a timeout break.