"John vs. Joe.

Pretty plain, if you go by just their first names.

But when you add Salmons after John and follow Joe with Johnson, you have the makings of a burgeoning NBA battle.

And after three regular-season previews, we know exactly what to expect.

When the Milwaukee Bucks step on the court at Philips Arena in Atlanta on Saturday afternoon to face the Hawks in the teams' first-round playoff confrontation, John Salmons will be a target. . . as soon as he leaves the locker room.

And for good reason.

After torching the Hawks during the regular season with 32 points in a Game 1 road loss in overtime, 32 points in a Game 2 victory at the Bradley Center and 28 more big ones in a still-riveting Game 3 loss, Salmons knows that he can score against Joe Johnson.

With 24, 27 and then an eye-opening 31 points in the Hawks' 104-96 road victory in Game 3 during that same span, Joe Johnson knows that he can score against John Salmons.

Just who will blink first, John or Joe?

If you ask the average Joe, he will say John, by virtue of Johnson's multiple All-Star Game appearances, undeniable talent level and superstar salary (he's in the fifth and final year of a $70 million contract and will be a highly sought-after free agent this summer).

But the average Joe doesn't know enough about Mr. Salmons.

At first glance, you see that black-as-night goatee that jets out from his chin as if it's trying to escape his face, a throwback look that says, "Don't mess with me, Son!"

Then, suddenly, you are taken aback by his quiet, almost shy demeanor, as if Salmons is just too kind to play a demanding position like shooting guard in the best league on this planet.

Don't be fooled.

Salmons is much closer to his menacing goatee than his obvious quiet disposition. And that's the truth, even if he won't admit it - mainly due to modesty, which is certainly not a prerequisite for this league."