Atlanta Hawks at Sixers: Game thread

Philadelphia–The Hawks are using the “big” lineup with Jason Collins at center. Larry Drew said that before Spencer Hawes (Achilles) so it could change before tip off.

• Then again, maybe it won’t change since the “big” lineup apparently has become the standard lineup. “That’s the regular lineup,” Drew said. “For right now that will be pretty much how we go. That was basically the lineup last year when we went bigger. Right now that will be the starting lineup.”
• Why does Drew like that lineup? “With Jason, we really are able to play a lot more at home in the post, particularly against big guys who do have a strong low-post presence,” Drew said. “We play them head up. He gives us a little bit more size, a little bit more physicality at that position. Jason, he is a smart pro. He knows how to play his position. He does a good job playing individual and team defense. We all know with him in the lineup it’s defense-first with him. ”
• Drew on the fluctuating minutes for his reserves: “That is something I do have to manage. Given what our schedule is, guys are going to be in a situation where maybe one night they play more than others. One thing I don’t want to do is wear guys out given what our schedule is. [Vladimir Radmanaovic] hasn’t played a lot the last couple games, I’ve spoken with him, and that could be a plus for him now with this stretch coming up he will be a little bit more rested. Minutes will vary particularly with the way our schedule is. ”
• Vlad Rad: “It all depends on how you look at it. Knowing that we have such a compressed schedule, it can be a positive thing if you look at it that way. But we are all competitors here. We like to be on the court and contribute but obviously not everybody can play. It is up to the coaches to make decisions. We have to fit in that system.”
• Vlad Rad on players preferring consistency in playing time and roles: “It’s easier when you know when you are going to play and how long you are going to play. When you have certain pattern, it’s easier to prepare. You just sometimes have to deal with different things. Fortunately for me I’ve been in different situations through the course of my game. I know how to deal with it and take positive things out of it.”
• Drew on how he decides who finishes games: “I look at the matchups. If we have a group that is in a rhythm I will try to ride that, but I look at the matchups and how the game is flowing. We are a team that, at times, we get stagnant with the starters and the reserves. What I’ve tried to focus on a lot more is focus on matchups that are in there in the fourth quarter just to make sure we don’t leave ourselves open to where they have an advantage on us. We have to make sure start of fourth quarter we get off to a good start.”
• Drew on All-Star consideration for Josh Smith: “I can’t see why he wouldn’t be. He’s impacting both ends of the floor. His numbers are up offensively but defensively he’s done a good job guarding bigs and guarding smalls. He is playing with a high energy. The level he’s playing, he should be considered as an All-Star. His discipline he’s shown over the summer with losing the weight, you can see his energy level has gone up since losing that weight.”
• Tracy McGrady left the Blazers game because of cramping. He’s good to go tonight. Drew on T-Mac’s impact: “You put him in his sweet spot, he can still make plays. He’s a phenomenal passer and still with his length he causes problem. We have been trying to use him in different places on the floor, put the ball in his hands and take advantage of the matchup problems teams have against him because of his size.”