PROTECT THE PAINT

This Thanksgiving Day match up pits teams with identical records (11-3) against each other at 8:00 PM ET at Philips Arena, broadcasting live on TNT.

The Hawks have a chance to show the nation how it can perform against the defending Eastern Conference Champs. The winning team takes sole possession of first in the Southeast Division, making this game the most important of this young season.

I'm calm, no seriously, I am not about to freak out or anything… (Credit:picapp.com)

Orlando (5-2) has the better road record than Atlanta (4-3) and is taking a 5-game winning streak into Atlanta tomorrow. This should help the new and improved, calmer, Stan Van Gundy continue to keep his newfound cool.

Atlanta had their 7 game winning streak snapped when they lost in New Orleans last Saturday. This can be accredited to the amazing play by Hornets’ rookies Marcus Thornton and Darren Collison.

It will be interesting to see how the Hawks match up against the Magic. Here is a position by position breakdown featuring which team has the advantage:

1. Jason Williams vs. Mike Bibby (Advantage: ATL)
2. Vince Carter vs. Joe Johnson (Advantage: ATL)
3. Michael Pietrus vs. Marvin Williams (Advantage: ORL)
4. Rashard Lewis vs. Josh Smith (Advantage: ORL)
5. Dwight Howard vs. Al Horford (Advantage: ORL)

This game will satisfy the most insatiable cravings of NBA appetites. You will have tons of outside shooting, powerful play in the paint, and of course we can all wait to see if Stan Van Gundy implodes. This game will have tons of rough play and many hard fouls.

What the? Stan is actually pretty calm. This really scares me. (Credit: picapp.com)

This is a must watch game. Tomorrow you will be surrounded with good food and great people, and have the opportunity to watch the most important game of the year thus far. Have a drumstick and beer in hands, and make sure to get your fill of food and NBA action.

Enjoy your thanksgiving, and make sure to not miss this Game of the Week!

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