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The Hawks return from the All-Star break only to face the defending world champion Heat Wednesday at Philips Arena. It will be a formidable test as the team begins the final two months, and 31 games, of the regular season. The Hawks have lost five straight games to the Heat, including two meetings this season, and six straight at home.
“We can’t look at this game as a game that is going to make us or break us,” Hawks coach Larry Drew said Tuesday. “This is just another game. We are playing against the world champs. They’ve beaten us twice this year. They certainly are a measuring stick for us but they won’t make us or break us.”
The Hawks (29-22) entered the break having won three of four games, including two straight. The Heat (36-14) have won 12 of the past 14 games and enter the matchup on a seven-game win streak.
While the Hawks are 7-1/2 games behind the Heat, in the Southeast Division and the Eastern Conference, they remain in the thick of the playoff race. The Hawks are sixth in the East, but just two games behind the third-place Pacers and 3-1/2 games behind the second-place Knicks.
No player in the NBA is on a roll like that of LeBron James right now. The Heat star is shooting over 60 percent from the field in six of the past seven games. His total shooting percentage is 69 percent (80 of 116). He is averaging 32 points over the past seven games (all over 30 points), 7.4 rebounds and 6.7 assists.
“They are rolling right now,” Hawks forward Josh Smith said. “LeBron is playing at an unbelievable level. (Dwyane Wade has) got his timing and his legs back under him and is playing well, and so is Chris Bosh. This will be a big game for us. If we are able to pull off a win it will be a good measuring stick for us about where we standing going forward.”
The Hawks dropped the first contest against the Heat this season, the fourth game of the season, 95-89 at Philips Arena. The Hawks led 87-85 with 3:26 remaining but the Heat closed the game with a 10-2 run.
The Heat won in Miami in December. The Hawks held a 65-63 lead midway through the third quarter only to have the Heat go on a 17-4 run to take control of the contest.
The teams will meet one more time this regular season, March 12 in Miami.
Etc.
* Hawks guard Lou Williams, who underwent surgery to repair a torn ACL in his right knee Feb. 7, made a brief appearance at practice Tuesday. He wore a brace on the knee and stood with a pair of crutches.
* Player Development Instructor Nick Van Exel has returned to the team. Van Exel was on a leave of absence after his son was found guilty of murder and sentenced to prison in Texas Feb. 1.
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