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(Sports Network) - A pair of early unbeaten teams get together this evening in Atlanta, where the Hawks will host the Southeast Division-rival Washington Wizards at Philips Arena.

The Hawks kicked off their season with a 120-109 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday at home, as Al Horford led the way with 24 points and 16 rebounds. Joe Johnson added 25 points while Josh Smith tallied 18 points, eight assists and five steals for Atlanta, which is coming off back-to-back trips to the postseason.

"For it to be the first game you have so many jitters and you're so anxious to get out there and play," said Johnson. "I really just wanted to get into the flow of the game early, but it doesn't always work that way so I just tried to pick my spots. Al and Josh played great tonight."

Marvin Williams ended with 14 points in the win. The Hawks will open a four- game road trip following Friday's game versus the Wizards.

Washington will try to stay in the column too tonight and handed the Dallas Mavericks a 102-91 setback on Tuesday on the road to kick off the Flip Saunders era.

Gilbert Arenas made an impressive return from two knee surgeries and scored 29 points for the Wizards. Andray Blatche added 20 points, while Caron Butler scored 16 to go with eight boards in the win. Washington tied a franchise record for losses last season by going 19-63.

"Well, what's there to say about him? I think he did his talking on the floor tonight," Saunders said of Arenas' return. "Gil showed glimpses of why he's got that unbelievable burst of speed and his ability to weave through people and score."

Saunders hopes his squad can solve its recent woes against the Hawks, who went 4-0 against the Wizards a year ago and have won five straight and seven of the last 10 meetings.

Washington has lost consecutive visits to Philips Arena.