It's finally here!
Okay, so it's only preseason, but the Atlanta Hawks finally get to play against someone other than themselves this week.
OPPONENTS
Monday: New Orleans Pelicans
Details: 7:30 p.m. | Philips Arena | No TV or Radio | Buy Tickets
The Pelicans come into the season with some promise after a strong offseason that landed them center Omer Asik via trade and John Salmons via free agency. Getting Ryan Anderson back after last year's season-ending injury will only help, and they still have former All-Stars Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday. They opened preseason play with a solid 98-86 win over the Miami Heat in Louisville, Ky. on Saturday. Davis and Asik played limited minutes but figure to get some more time Monday against Atlanta. The frontcourt duo figures to be a handful for Atlanta, which is still without Al Horford, who has not been cleared for 5-on-5 contact yet. Wingmen Eric Gordon and Tyreke Evans should give the Hawks' improved perimeter defenders a test as well.
Saturday: Memphis Grizzlies
Details: 8:00 p.m. | FedExForum | No TV or Radio
Atlanta takes the show on the road for the first time this season with a preseason tilt against the Grizzlies. Memphis figures to be a contender in the West yet again, returning all five starters from last season's playoff team and adding free agents Vince Carter and Michael Beasley. Mike Conley's length and defensive pressure should be a good early test for point guards Jeff Teague, Shelvin Mack and Dennis Schröder, and the frontcourt duo of Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol will make it tough defensively on the Atlanta big men. Like New Orleans, Memphis is hoping for a cleaner bill of health in 2014-15.
INJURY REPORT
Pero Antic: Out Monday (Broken nose) and will miss at least a few days.Kent Bazemore: Not yet cleared for contact (foot). I'd expect him to miss both games.DeMarre Carroll: Will warm up (ankle) Monday night before a decision is made. Injury not serious.Al Horford: Not yet cleared for full contact (pectoral). He will also likely miss both games.Kyle Korver: Not with the team Monday for personal reasons. He should be back by Saturday.
The injury bug has bitten the Hawks already, though none of the listed injuries should impact the regular season. It's better to be cautious now than sorry later.
INTERESTING...
Yes, it's only preseason, but the Hawks are hoping to change their fortune against their two opponents this week. They went 0-4 against the Pelicans and Grizzlies in 2013-14.
The Hawks do lead the all-time series with Memphis 23-13, including a winning record at FedExForum.
FROM THE FANS