Wizards hope to halt losing streak versus Hawks

Washington is headed to the playoffs and is sixth in the Eastern Conference standings. In Wednesday’s 85-82 loss to the division-rival Miami Heat, Brendan Haywood had 14 points and 10 rebounds before the Wizards watched the Heat celebrate a Southeast Division title.

The injury-riddled Wizards, who will be without stars Gilbert Arena (knee) and Caron Butler (hand) for the rest of the season, have dropped three in a row on the road and are 13-26 as the visitor this season.

Atlanta has won two of its last three games, including Tuesday’s 104-96 victory over the Boston Celtics in the opener of short two-game homestand.

Tyronn Lue scored 26 points and dished out 10 assists, as the Hawks improved to 17-22 as the host this season. Zaza Pachulia poured in 22 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, Marvin Williams scored 21 points and Shelden Williams had 14 for Atlanta, which won for just the second time in its last 10 games.

The Hawks played without the services of forward Josh Smith. Smith was suspended two games by the team on Monday following a verbal confrontation with head coach Mike Woodson during Sunday’s overtime loss at Philadelphia.

On the injury front for Atlanta, guard Salim Stoudamire (ankle) is questionable versus Washington.

Friday’s game between Southeast Division foes is the fourth and final meeting of the regular season. Washington is 2-1 so far in the series and has won 10 of the last 12 meetings.

Washington has won four of its last seven at the Hawks.