OPENING TIP
The Cavs are riding a two-game winning streak for the first time this season, and they’ve done it without Anderson Varejao. That’s a good thing, considering Varejao’s bruised knee will keep him out of both games this weekend (the Cavs play Saturday at Brooklyn). The Hawks have also won two in a row, including Wednesday’s double-overtime thriller vs. Detroit. This is their first visit to Cleveland since Danny Ferry became GM over the summer.
Venue: Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland
TV/Radio: 7 p.m. FOX Sports Ohio/WTAM
All-Time Series: Hawks lead, 109-94.
STARTING LINEUPS
ATLANTA HAWKS (17-9)
C Al Horford
PF Josh Smith
SF Kyle Korver
SG Lou Williams
PG Jeff Teague
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (7-23)
C Tyler Zeller
PF Tristan Thompson
SF Alonzo Gee
SG Dion Waiters
PG Kyrie Irving
Pregame notes:
• Thompson is averaging 13.0 points and 12.8 rebounds, and shooting 50 percent, during the previous four games. He hit the go-ahead basket (and ensuing free throw) in the Cavs’ 87-84 win over Washington.
• Atlanta is eighth in the league in points allowed (94.8). Only two opponents have shot 50 percent or better vs. the Hawks this season.
• The Hawks are 7-0 when Smith and Horford post double-doubles on the same night. Smith is having perhaps his best season, both production-wise and in his conduct. Not unusual during contract years.
• Hawks guard Devin Harris (sore foot) will miss his fifth straight game.
• The Cavs won the only other matchup this season, 113-111, at Atlanta (Nov. 30). Irving did not play.
