The Atlanta Hawks are full of surprises. Devin Harris, in his first action of the preseason, started at SG alongside Jeff Teague. Their two best players, Josh Smith and Al Horford, got the night off, while Anthony Tolliver (14 PTS) started at PF. Tolliver’s ability to stretch the floor might keep him in the rotation when the games matter. Louis Williams did his thing — 18 points in 26 minutes off the bench — and still has a chance to start, as the Harris move could be experimental.
Indiana PG D.J. Augustin could be doing to George Hill (thumb, hip) what Hill did to the now-departed Darren Collison last year — stealing his job while injured. DJA scored 13 points and is getting comfortable running with the first unit. Paul George (20 PTS, 8 REB) and Roy Hibbert (16 PTS, 11 REB) led the Pacers, who gave second-rounder Orlando Johnson a start in place of Danny Granger.
Other October 16 Games
BRK @ BOS: The entire starting five got the night off for Brooklyn and the Nets still won. Andray Blatche was superb in a spot start at C, with 23 points and 9 rebounds. Mirza Teletovic hit four 3-pointers off the bench. Rookie Tornike Shengelia played 26 minutes and Carleton Scott 27 in a lineup you will never, ever see again.
For Boston, Kevin Garnett was the only starter to play less than 27 minutes and the majority of bench time went to regulars Jeff Green, Brandon Bass and Jason Terry. Somehow, the Celtics blew a 12-point lead and lost the game. Paul Pierce hit six triples en route to 29 points. Darko Milicic (wrist) didn’t play and may miss the next game too, not that he’s a valuable fantasy commodity.