Game Thread: Carroll back in starting lineup

Atlanta Hawks forward DeMarre Carroll (5) shoots between the defense of Brooklyn Nets guard Jarrett Jack (0), and forward Kevin Garnett, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday Jan. 28, 2015, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis)

Credit: Chris Vivlamore

Credit: Chris Vivlamore

Atlanta Hawks forward DeMarre Carroll (5) shoots between the defense of Brooklyn Nets guard Jarrett Jack (0), and forward Kevin Garnett, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday Jan. 28, 2015, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis)

As I tweeted earlier today, DeMarre Carroll will return to the starting lineup for tonight's game against the Wizards. Carroll returned Monday, but did not start, after missing to games with a left Achilles strain.

Also, Shelvin Mack will be inactive, missing his ninth straight game with a left calf strain. The plan is for Mack to return by the weekend. The Hawks host the Warriors Friday and travel to the Grizzlies Sunday.

Also:

* Jeff Teague mentioned Tuesday how excited the Pelicans were after snapping the Hawks' 19-game win streak on Monday. I asked Carroll about it Wednesday morning.

"They were celebrating like it was the championship," Carroll said. "We could hear them all the way down the hall. We just took it with a grain of salt and understand that teams are after us. We are a good team. We have to play that way every night. We can't take a night off. The last game we did. I think we learned from that and you'll see a high-energy defensive team tonight."

* I spoke to coach, and final decision maker, Mike Budenholzer about the possibility of the Hawks making a trade with the injury to Thabo Sefolosha. Here is what he said.

* The Hawks will honor heroes of the Civil Rights movement during February home games. On Wednesday, they will honor Juanita Abernathy, participant of the Selma march and widow of Ralph D. Abernathy.