Atlanta Hawks Game Day News and Notes

According to Michael Cunningham's practice recap, Jeff Teague is unlikely to play tonight with a sprained ankle but says that he was going to lobby to play tonight. It is still more likely that he will return for Thursday night's game against the Miami Heat. 

Jason Collins did not play against New Orleans but appears to be over the leg injury that sidelined him in Detroit and Washington. Perhaps coach Drew let he and Etan Thomas rest knowing that Dwight Howard was coming to town on Monday night. 

Also according to Cunningham, Josh Powell is playing with a sore groin. If the pre-season has been any indication then Josh Powell is going to set personal highs in playing time this season. He has usually been the first big man up off the bench along with Zaza Pachulia. Will be interesting to watch if coach Drew goes with a four man rotation up front or with a three man attack where he rotates Horford through the power forward position. 

Bret at Hoopinon talks about the Al Horford contract extension talks and how a blurb in the Atlanta Journal has gotten National attention and in my opinion has been completely blown out of proportion. The blurb in case you missed it was from beat writer Michael Cunningham:

Horford said there's been no movement on contract extension negotiations between his representatives and the Hawks.

Now that quote has been turned into these headlines:

Al Horford Contract Talks at an Impasse - NBC Pro Basketball Talk

Should Al Horford Be a Max Player? Hawks Betting 'No" - AOL NBAFanHouse

It is beneficial for both sides to get something done before the deadline and I am confident that it will happen but as Bret points out, it doesn't necessarily mean that Horford won't be back in a Hawks uniform as they will still retain his rights in restricted free agency.