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Game 49 - Nets @ Hawks - Friday, March 23, 7:30

By Net Income
Mar 3, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith (5) reacts to making a dunk with center Zaza Pachulia (27) during the second half at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Thunder 97-90. Mandatory Credit: Josh D. Weiss-US PRESSWIRE
Mar 3, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith (5) reacts to making a dunk with center Zaza Pachulia (27) during the second half at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Thunder 97-90. Mandatory Credit: Josh D. Weiss-US PRESSWIRE

The big news Friday may have nothing to do with the game. This is the day the Nets are supposed to announce their latest update on the status of Brook Lopez's sprained ankle, not his first game back. Lopez hasn't been practicing with his teammates and some have suggested he could be the sixth Nets player to have his season ended by injury.

The Hawks had one of their top players, Al Horford, go down with a season-ending injury of his own, with a torn pectoral muscle. Jannero Pargo is out after an appendectomy. Marvin Williams returns Friday night after a minor hip injury as does Willie Green, who always seems to have good games vs. New Jersey. Atlanta remains in sixth place in the East with a 27-21 record, following an overtime win Wednesday in which Josh Smith went for 37 points, 17 rebounds, five assists and three blocks.

The Nets of course are trying to end a four-game losing streak that started after Diwght Howard changed his mind and dashed any real hopes for the playoffs. Jordan Farmar remains questionable and Shelden Williams continues to deal with a painful shoulder injury but he's still pushing for a perfect attendance record this season.

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