Hawks tangle with Timberwolves

The Hawks suffered a 96-94 loss to the New Jersey Nets on Tuesday at Continental Airlines Arena.

Joe Johnson had a game-high 33 points for the Hawks, who have lost eight of their last nine games and 14 of 17. Donta Smith added 13 points off the bench, while Anthony Grundy contributed 11 points in the loss.

Atlanta will host the Washington Wizards on Friday and is 2-4 in its last six games at Philips Arena. The Hawks are 15-21 at home this season.

The Timberwolves, meanwhile, have lost two of their last three games, including Tuesday’s 97-92 setback to the Charlotte Bobcats.

Kevin Garnett posted 24 points and 22 rebounds and Ricky Davis added 20 points for Minnesota, which has dropped four of its last seven games overall and a franchise-tying 12 in a row on the road.

Minnesota, which is 8-29 away from the Target Center this season, will host Utah and Atlanta after Wednesday’s game.

Wednesday’s game between Minnesota and Atlanta is the third of four meetings this season. The season series is tied at one game apiece.

Atlanta has won two of the last three meetings with Minnesota, which has dropped two in a row at Philips Arena.