Hawks, Wizards square off in D.C.

Washington, which owns a 3 1/2-game lead over Miami in the Southeast standings, opened a four-game homestand with a 92-83 loss to the Heat on Wednesday evening.

DeShawn Stevenson recorded 19 points for Washington, which is 21-8 as the host this season. Gilbert Arenas posted 15 points for the Wizards, who were again without Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison due to injury. However, Butler (back) and Jamison (knee) are each listed as probable for the game, meaning both could return to the lineup tonight.

Butler, who played in his first NBA All-Star Game this season, is averaging 20.3 points, 7.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists in 53 games, while Jamison has registered 19.3 points and 7.9 boards in 44 contests.

The Wizards will also welcome Golden State and Toronto to the Verizon Center on the homestand.

Meanwhile, Atlanta has lost three straight and five of its last six games, and will wrap up a three-game road trip at Washington. On Wednesday the Hawks suffered a 107-100 loss to the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets at the Ford Center.

Joe Johnson posted 27 points and eight assists for the Hawks, who fell to 12-19 away from Philips Arena this season. Josh Smith notched 17 points, nine assists and nine rebounds, while Anthony Johnson netted 13 points. Marvin Williams added 12 points and eight boards in a losing effort.

Hawks guard Tyronn Lue (hamstring) is questionable for Friday’s game.

Atlanta is 10 games behind the Wizards in the Southeast standings, and lost the first matchup against them this season. Washington recorded a 96-95 victory on November 28 at the Verizon Center.

Both teams will meet again on March 7 and April 13 at Philips Arena.

The Hawks have lost six straight and 10 of their last 12 trips to D.C.