The Hawks want to make a mark before All-Star break hits. The Hornets can't wait until the All-Star break.

Atlanta should be all business here, having won four of its last six games, including the past two. The Hawks just rolled past the hapless Spurs, 125-106, this past Saturday. They are 6-0 ATS the past six times when playing on one day rest.

The 15-43 Hornets are as bad as the Spurs. But the Hawks won't be taking them lightly. Charlotte leads the season series, 2-1.

This is what Hawks coach Nate McMillan said about Charlotte, ''They've kicked us twice. We need to go get that game in their building.''

The Hornets have lost seven in a row. They have failed to cover in their last six games. All of the losses during their seven-game loss streak have been by six or more points.

The Hornets are vulnerable and inexperienced inside after dealing their one decent low-post player, Mason Plumlee. The Hornets rely on their perimeter game and that's been off, too, as they've made fewer than 10 3-point shots during eight of their past 11 games.

Charlotte has lost 18 of its 25 home games. The Hornets have failed to cover in seven of their past nine home contests.