The Chicago Bulls will be in town on Tuesday night, which means Hawks center Al Horford could be ready to have another big statistical outing. The last time the Hawks played the Bulls at Philips Arena, Horford had 31 points and 16 rebounds.
Following the game, Hawks forward Marvin Williams said it appears Horford relishes playing the Bulls because of his friendship with Joakim Noah, the Chicago center and his former Florida teammate.
Horford has averaged 13.5 points and 10.1 rebounds over his career against Chicago, among the best numbers he's posted against any Eastern Conference team.
"It's going to be a battle, but we're looking forward to it," Horford said Sunday following the team's win over Detroit.
Untracking Crawford
Coach Larry Drew gave guard Jamal Crawford extra minutes on Sunday at guard Jeff Teague's expense in hopes of getting him on a roll as the team heads into the playoffs. Crawford played 30 minutes, much of it at point guard, scoring nine points with two assists. Drew said prior to the game that he wanted to see Crawford exercise better shot selection.
"Particularly teams that double-team him, you just find other ways, other means," Drew said of pick-and-roll plays. "You don't lose your aggression and your attack. You don't settle for just seeking the 3 (pointer)."
Likely to stay a sub
Forward Damien Wilkins has consistently provided energy and tough defense since he was signed in December. With the team struggling of late, Drew was asked if that could mean a possible spot in the starting lineup for Wilkins. Drew hedged in his answer.
"At this point, I won't rule out anything," he said. "I do love what he brings to the table."
By the numbers
Through Sunday's games, the Hawks ranked second to last in the NBA in second-chance points with 11.3 per game, a byproduct of ranking 26th in the league in offensive rebounds per game (9.5). Only Boston averages fewer second-chance points, at 9.9. The Hawks give up 12.7 second-chance points per game. They were also last in the league in drawing personal fouls from the opposition, 18.6 per game. They commit 18.9 per game, third fewest in the league.
