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Johnson, Hawks play host to 76ers

Nov 1, 2008 - 10:42 AM Philadelphia (1-1) at Atlanta (1-0) 7:00 p.m. EDT

ATLANTA (Ticker) -- A pair of surprise teams from last year's Eastern Conference playoffs square off on Saturday, as the up-and-coming Philadelphia 76ers visit the Atlanta Hawks.

Going into last season, both of these teams were considered a year or two away from advancing to the postseason. But they jumped ahead of the curve before falling in the first round.

This season, both come out with something to prove. Expectations for the Sixers grew when they added All-Star forward Elton Brand in the offseason, while the Hawks - who pushed the eventual champion Boston Celtics to the brink of elimination in last year's first round - are still trying to prove they belong.

For one night, at least, they did just that. In their season opener on Wednesday, they largely dominated the reigning Southeast Division champion Orlando Magic, thanks to 25 points from Joe Johnson and another all-around showing from Josh Smith. The 22-year-old forward collected 17 points, 10 boards, five blocks and four steals to pace an Atlanta defense that held the Magic to 37 percent shooting.

The Hawks will have their hands full once again as they face Philadelphia and its revamped lineup. After falling in disappointing fashion in their season opener to the Toronto Raptors, the Sixers rebounded with a 116-87 victory over the retooled New York Knicks on Friday, thanks to Brand's second straight double-double.

The veteran power forward posted 24 points and 14 boards while point guard Andre Miller added 20 and eight assists.

The Hawks took three of four meetings with the 76ers last season. Johnson averaged 21.8 points and 6.3 assists in the four games while shooting 51.5 percent from the field.