It may be the playoffs but that doesn’t mean the rookie hazing stops. Prior to the Hawks elimination game (Game 6) in Atlanta Friday, the team loaded Mike Scott and John Jenkins’ cars with popcorn – which has been done repeatedly this season to rookies around the NBA.

Most popular NBA pregame meal? It’s probably not what you are envisioning – as the Boston Celtics, Russell Westbrook, Al Horford and more dish on their love for a simple peanut butter and jelly sandwich before tip-off. “It sits well in the stomach,” says Pistons’ Brandon Knight and he must be right because the Celtics have roughly 20-25 classic PB&J’s ready to chow down in the locker room before every game.

An Atlanta cheerleader was carried off the court on a stretcher during Monday night’s Hawks game at Philips Arena after falling and hitting her head and neck during a routine.

According to Chris Vivlamore, Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

Cheerleader Kristen, whose last name was not released, was taken by paramedics to Atlanta Medical Center. She was released Monday night following examination by physicians, according to the team.

Kobe Bryant was not pleased after leaving Wednesday’s game in Atlanta with a severe ankle sprain that may or may not of been caused by Hawks guard, Dahntay Jones. Following the Lakers 96-92 loss, Kobe said the play was dirty and dangerous, and that Jones “Jalen Rose’d” him, referring to the 2000 NBA Finals when Jalen Rose intentionally kicked out his leg so Kobe would not have a clean landing as he came down from a jumper.

“He Jalen Rose’d me…I just think players need to be made conscious of it and I think officials need to protect shooters, period. I can’t get my mind past the fact that I gotta wait a year to get revenge.”

Between now and March 30, the Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings will participate in “NBA Hardwood Classics Nights” where they will don the memorable 90′s throwbacks as shown above.

Josh Smith goes coast-to-coast for the posterizing slam on Nets’ Brook Lopez:

Lou Williams’ knee buckled as he drove to the basket in the 2nd quarter of tonight’s game vs. the Brooklyn Nets.  He was wheeled into the Hawks locker room and did not return.  It’s being called a right knee strain and he will be evaluated tonight as well as Saturday.

Watch Al Horford’s little brother and his reaction after being served candy from a Hawks cheerleader in a bikini top…PRICELESS:

There have been whispers for quite some time about a potential move for the Lakers that would send forward Pau Gasol to Atlanta in exchange for 8-year veteran Josh Smith, but ESPN reports the Hawks are reluctant to go through with the Lakers latest attempt at a big move:

ESPN:

Sources say that the Hawks, at present, have no interest in parting with Josh Smith and Kyle Korver for Gasol. Or even Smith and lesser parts for Gasol.

Positions can obviously change between now and the Feb. 21 trade deadline, but sources maintain that Atlanta has not been enticed in the least by the prospect of parting with the 26-year-old Smith — even as he heads into unrestricted free agency — for the 32-year-old Gasol. The Hawks, for the record, have also been telling interested teams that they value Smith and what he offers as a hybrid forward in an Eastern Conference that’s generally been getting smaller.

Atlanta native and rapper, T.I., made a special appearance at the Heat vs. Hawks game last night, serving as a color commentator during the first half of the broadcast at Philips Arena:

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Hawks forward, Josh Smith, was spotted grabbing dinner at Twist in Atlanta on Tuesday:

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