"In recent seasons Joe Johnson usually was penciled in as an All-Star even before the teams were announced.

There figures to be more suspense for Johnson when reserves are unveiled Thursday night. He started the season slowly, sat out two weeks after elbow surgery and regained his usual form only in the past month.

Johnson said he hasn't spent much time wondering whether his late surge would be enough to convince Eastern Conference coaches to vote him to his fifth consecutive All-Star team.

"Not really," Johnson said before the Hawks played Toronto on Wednesday night at Philips Arena. "If I make it, great. For the past four years I've enjoyed it every single time I have been. It's definitely been an honor and it's a prestigious award.

"If not, I will just stick with it, keep working and try to finish off the regular season with a bang."

Johnson still could be named as one of seven East reserves despite his uneven season. The Hawks are one of only six East teams with winning records, making for a lack of obvious candidates since All-Stars don't often come from losing squads."