March 31st Open Thread: Atlanta (43-31) @ Philadelphia (37-35)

TIP-OFF: 7pm

TELEVISION: Fox Sports South

RADIO: Hawks Radio Network, Audio League Pass

GAME NOTES: Hawks/76ers

ATLANTA INJURY REPORT: Marvin Williams is out. Acie Law IV is a game-time decision.

PHILADELPHIA INJURY REPORT: Elton Brand and Jason Smith are out. Samuel Dalembert is a game-time decision.

FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY: Philadelphia -2, 193 o/u

OTHER PERSPECTIVES: Liberty Ballers

PREVIOUSLY THE PHILADELPHIA 76ers...lost their last two games, 100-95 at home against Charlotte and 101-97 in Detroit. The 76ers currently sit in the sixth spot, one game behind Miami, in the Eastern Conference standings. The Hawks split the two games in Atlanta against the 76ers winning 95-88 on November 1st and losing 109-94 on January 11th.

I suspect the 76ers are a slightly more troubling first-round playoff matchup than the Heat for the Hawks. The dilemma is thus: should Philadelphia win tonight I will a) be more convinced that the 76ers are a tough matchup for the Hawks and b) the 76ers will be a half-game closer to becoming the Hawks' first round opponent; or, should Atlanta win I will a) be (perhaps) less convinced that the 76ers are a tough matchup and b) the 76ers will be less likely to be the Hawks' first round opponent.

You've heard of a no-win situation, haven't you? Really? No, you've never heard of one? Vietnam...this.

Consider this an open thread for all pre-game, in-game, and post-game (but pre-recap) thoughts.