Thursday, 30 July 2026 · Philippines
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NBA - Nets brace for Hawks as playoffs race heats

JERSEY CITY -- As the race for the playoffs intensify, a highly-anticipated match-up between two Eastern Conference contenders takes the spotlight when the Brooklyn Nets host the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday at the spanking new Barclays Center.

The Deron Williams-led Brooklyn Nets currently lead the season series 2-1, with Atlanta, powered by center Al Horford, swinging hard at a chance to pull even at 2-2.

On the heels of a five-game road losing streak, the Nets are a below average 15-18 on the road overall this season. But they hope to recapture their winning ways at home, where they are a tough 22-13.

Due to an injured heel, high-priced guard Joe Johnson, who makes $19.7 million this season, did not play in Tuesday?s triumph over the New Orleans Hornets. But he practiced Thursday and should be ready to play for the Nets this Sunday.

In the ongoing marathon for a spot in the playoffs, the 38-27 Nets are No.4 overall in the Eastern Conference, one game behind the Atlantic Division-leading New York Knicks, who stand at 38-25. The 36-29 Hawks are tied for fifth alongside the Chicago Bulls and two games behind Brooklyn.

A featured highlight of the Nets-Hawks battle is the homecoming of Atlanta guard Devin Harris, who manned the point for the Nets from 2008 to 2011. Similarly, Joe Johnson will be playing against his old team after signing with the Nets as a free agent during the offseason. (RS)

Photo: All-Star Deron Williams (L), the sparkplug of Brooklyn's offense, is expected to lead the Nets when the Atlanta Hawks visit the Barclay's Center on Sunday.

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