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Wizards face Hawks, aim to snap six-game skid

Apr 13, 2007 - 2:15 PM Washington (39-39) at Atlanta (29-49) 7:30 pm EDT

ATLANTA (Ticker) - The shorthanded Washington Wizards aim to snap their longest losing streak in three years when they take on the shorthanded Atlanta Hawks on Friday.

Despite already clinching a playoff berth, the Wizards have lost All-Stars Gilbert Arenas (knee) and Caron Butler (fractured hand) en route to a six-game losing streak - their longest since dropping seven in a row from March 5-16, 2004. Neither player is expected to return unless Washington makes a deep playoff run.

After leading the Southeast Division for most of the season, the Wizards suffered an 85-82 loss at Miami on Wednesday, eliminating them from contention for the top spot in the division.

As a result, the Wizards are just two games ahead of New Jersey (37-41) for sixth place in the East.

The rash of injuries have affected Washington's normally high-powered offense. The Wizards average 105.2 points but have been held below that mark in five of the six losses during their skid.

The Hawks, who continue to be without top scorers Joe Johnson, Josh Childress and Josh Smith, have lost 10 of their 13 games. But Atlanta has won two of its last three games, including a 104-96 triumph over Boston on Tuesday.

The Hawks have lost two of the three meetings with the Wizards this season.