Hawks Final Score: Hawks 89, Pacers 86

The Hawks fell behind 14 midway through the fourth quarter, but made a furious comeback behind Kyle Korver and Jeff Teague on offense and great defense that limited Indiana to nine fourth quarter points.

Hawks lead Pacers 51-50 at the half

The Hawks and Pacers have battled throughout the first half with little separating the two. The Hawks second unit was a big boost for the Hawks giving them a 21-11 edge scoring over the Pacers second unit. Atlanta's shooting 53.7% from the field, but has missed some open looks from the outside shooting 2-of-7 from three, including three misses from Kyle Korver who still struggles. Josh Smith took advantage of his size advantage early scoring nine first quarter points on four left-hooks in the lane and a free throw. Al Horford has also picked up his offensive game scoring nine, with six in the second quarter.

The Pacers have been led by David West's 14 points (12 in the first quarter) and Paul George's 10. The key currently for the Hawks has been their ability to keep the best rebounding team in the NBA to a minimum on the boards. Atlanta is tied with Indiana with 19 rebounds a piece, and Roy Hibbert has just two. (Paul George has 5 showing why he's 7th in the league in rebounding). Zaza has eight boards and has matched minutes with Hibbert.

Hawks have been successful with Smoove in the post and running pick-and-rolls with Teague/Lou and Horford to draw Hibbert out. We'll see if they can continue executing well on offense and knock down a few more from long-range to get a big win.

Hawks set (big) starting lineup

The Atlanta Hawks will run a big lineup out against the Pacers as expected in an effort to match size, length, and physicality especially down low. Jeff Teague, Kyle Korver, Josh Smith, Al Horford, and Zaza Pachulia will be the starting five on the floor when the Hawks take to the court at 7:30. Larry Drew said his focus is on matching up inside.

"Our biggest concern was being able to match up with them size-wise. Although Indiana's a good team and has good perimeter players, our focus is on their size. If we have problems with the perimeter we'll make adjustments."

The Hawks will run up against a Pacers team that runs 7-2, 6-9, 6-8, 6-6, 6-2 going 5 through 1 so matching size is of the top priority. Also as anticipated , Josh Smith will be matched up with Paul George and Kyle Korver will match up with Sam Young on the defensive end despite Young being listed at the 3. I asked LD about having Smoove's ankle tested early by playing at the three and how his lateral quickness will be of the upmost importance playing more on the perimeter.

"We'll see [if it holds up]. Josh said he's ready to go, he participated in shootaround and looked good and moved around well, but if we start having problems we'll deal with it."

The Pacers are missing one of their key pieces in Danny Granger who found out today that he will miss three months with a knee injury.

Indiana Pacers vs. Atlanta Hawks: Atlanta looks for their first home win of the season against Indiana

Josh Smith returns, and Danny Granger is out. Josh Smith and company will look to grab their first home win of the season tonight against a very formidable and tough-minded Indiana Pacers team.

Shootaround Notes: Hawks prep for Pacers, will have Smoove

Josh Smith returns to action tonight as the Hawks host the Indiana Pacers. The Hawks will likely run a big lineup with Smoove at the 3 and Al and Zaza inside. The Hawks talked about using their speed to their advantage against the tall, long lineup of the Pacers.

Josh Smith Injury: Hawks forward will play against the Pacers

The Atlanta Hawks will be back at full strength Wednesday night as forward Josh Smith will suit up and play after missing Sunday's game with an ankle injury.

Josh Smith will play vs. Pacers. #ATLHawks

— Chris Vivlamore (@ajchawks) November 7, 2012

Smith took part in a portion of practice on Tuesday and Larry Drew was hopeful as far back as Sunday that he would be able to return to action in time for Wednesday's game. The Hawks are also expected to have Johan Petro available tonight. Petro was inactive for the first two games of the season with a sore back.

In other injury news, we were aware that Indiana forward Danny Granger would not be playing tonight against the Hawks but it doesn't look like he will be back anytime soon. Granger had his knee examined by renown surgeon Dr. James Andrews and received an injection for patellar tendinosis. He is expected to miss the next three months of action.

Hawks Vs. Pacers preview, start time, tv, radio info and more

The Atlanta Hawks are back in action Wednesday night when they host the Indiana Pacers at Philips Arena. Josh Smith sat out Sunday's win over the Thunder and his status for tonight's game is still unknown.