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Streaking Hawks go for seventh straight

Jan 2, 2009 - 11:09 AM Atlanta (21-10) at New Jersey (15-17), 7:30 p.m. EST

EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey (Ticker) -- The way the Atlanta Hawks were playing, they may be sad to see 2008 end.

Atlanta looks to keep rolling as it kicks off the new year against the New Jersey Nets on Friday.

The Hawks, who enjoyed their first playoff appearance in nine years last season, have won six straight games and nine of their last 10.

Joe Johnson scored 27 points and Josh Smith had 24 as Atlanta defeated Indiana, 110-104, on Tuesday.

New Jersey has dropped four straight home games and is just 5-12 at the IZOD Center this season.

The Nets have lost two consecutive contests overall, including Wednesday's 83-75 setback to the Detroit Pistons. Rookie Brook Lopez had 23 points and 12 rebounds in the loss, while Vince Carter was ejected in the second quarter for arguing.

New Jersey has had success against Atlanta earlier this season, sweeping a home-and-home series on November 14 and 15.