Rumors, moves, injuries and newsmakers...

Hawks meet the Blazers in a showcase of the NBA's rising young stars; Heat snap 15-game skid; Exiled Birdman wants to return to the NBA; Banged-up 'Melo doubtful Sunday; Sixers give Young a chance; and more...

YOUTH MOVEMENT 
Atlanta faces Portland on Sunday in a game featuring two of the NBA's youngest and most exciting teams. Expect a full-throttle track meet as these young guns put the pedal to the metal in a showcase of tomorrow's potential superstars.

The Hawks have three players in their starting five who are 22 or under. Josh Smith, 22, is enjoying a breakout year in Atlanta, averaging 18.2 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, making him a real possibility to earn a reserve spot on the Eastern Conference All-Star team. Marvin Williams and rookie Al Horford, both 21, also start and are getting better with each game out. Point guard Acie Law, 22, and swingman Josh Childress, 24, are another two youngsters contributing off of the bench.

The Trail Blazers also have three young players in their starting five, including 23-year-old reigning Rookie of the Year Brandon Roy. He is joined by fellow super sophomore LaMarcus Aldridge, 22, and Martell Webster, 21. Forward Channing Frye, 24, and guard Sergio Rodriguez, 21, are a big part of Portland's explosive bench brigade. Just imagine this team when 20-year-old Greg Oden, the first-overall pick in last June's draft, returns from a knee injury for the 2008-09 season.

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BOBCATS  With rookie Jermareo Davidson unable to get the job done as Emeka Okafor's backup at power forward this season, Charlotte's front office figured sending the Alabama product to the D-League this past week was the best way to aid in his development. Veteran Othella Harrington will try and provide the necessary support in the interim, but it's doubtful the veteran has enough left in the tank to help long term. In other Bobcats action, guard Raymond Felton was unable to play in Saturday night's 103-96 loss to Charlotte due to an ankle injury. In his absence, Jeff McInnis and Matt Carroll struggled in the backcourt, combining for only six points and five helpers in the loss.

HEAT 
The longest losing streak in the NBA this season ended on Saturday as the Heat outlasted the Pacers 98-96 to snap their 15-game skid. Dwyane Wade scored 35 points for Miami, pacing his team to victory for the first time since a 104-102 win over Utah on December 22.

HORNETS 
According to ESPN, former Hornets forward Chris Anderson is set to apply for reinstatement to the NBA, two years after getting turfed out of the league for testing positive for a prohibited substance. Nicknamed 'The Birdman', Anderson is hoping to once again take flight in New Orleans where he was once a fan favorite. If the NBA allows him back, the Hornets will have 30 days to negotiate a deal before he would become an unrestricted free agent. The charismatic big man was averaging 5.0 points and 4.8 rebounds during the 2005-06 season before his exile. New Orleans is rumored to have interest in bringing Anderson back.

NUGGETS 
Denver's Carmelo Anthony missed his second consecutive game on Friday with an ankle injury. He is hoping to be back in the lineup for Sunday's tilt with Dallas but is currently doubtful for the game. In his absence, third-year forward Linas Kleiza has filled in admirably, averaging 23 points and eight rebounds in the two contests--both wins for the Nuggets.

RAPTORS 
With word that Memphis will reportedly not buy out Damon Stoudamire, Toronto will likely look elsewhere for point guard help. Mighty Mouse was believed to be interested in returning to the Raptors, the team with which he won the 1995 Rookie of the Year award. A back injury to Toronto point guard T.J. Ford has resulted in Jose Calderon carrying a heavy load over the past six weeks. Darrick Martin and Juan Dixon clearly don't have the skill to provide enough backup minutes at the point, prompting the Dinos to search for a better option.

76'ers 
Philadelphia coach Mo Cheeks made a lineup move on Saturday, inserting rookie forward Thaddeus Young into the starting unit against Charlotte in an effort to add a little more energy. While the 19-year-old managed just six points and four rebounds in the contest, a 33-point effort from teammate Andre Iguodala delivererd the Sixers a 103-96 victory regardless. Reggie Evans, who came through with two points and nine boards in the win, was relegated to the bench with Young's promotion.

SUNS 
In just his third game back from an appendectomy, Phoenix swingman Grant Hill was bounced out of Friday's win over Cleveland with a reported back injury. If he is unable to play against Chicago on Sunday, look for inconsistent Boris Diaw to take over the starting assignment.

SUPERSONICS 
Seattle coach P.J. Carlesimo's decision to reinsert Chris Wilcox back into the starting five on Friday paid immediate dividends as the veteran enjoyed one of his best games of the year with 18 points and seven rebounds in a 99-90 loss to Atlanta. Wilcox's promotion came at Nick Collison's expense as the former Kansas star returned to his familiar bench role. The loss was 13th in a row for the Sonics--setting a franchise-record for futility. Seattle has a chance to end the dubious streak when they face Sacramento on Sunday.

TIMBERWOLVES 
A reduced role with Minnesota in 2007-08 has Gerald Green wanting out reports the Boston Globe. The third-year swingman, who reportedly requested a trade earlier this month, was obtained by the Timberwolves in last summer's blockbuster swap that saw Kevin Garnett land with the Celtics. After averaging 10.2 points per game in Beantown during the 2006-07 season, Green is down to 4.8 points per game during this year's campaign. Minnesota did not pick up Green's option for next year, making him an unrestricted free agent at the conclusion of the season. A fresh start with a new team right now would give him an opportunity to up his market value in advance of his next contract.