Sep 30, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks shooting guard John Jenkins (12) is interviewed during media day at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
Real, live basketball!
The Hawks are set to open their extensive preseason slate with a 7:30 tip-off on Monday night against the Miami Heat. Unfortunately for hometown fans, the game will take place at the American Airlines Center in south Florida, but it will be televised nationally on NBA-TV.
There was a bit of negative news surrounding the team’s first trip, as the official Hawks Twitter account revealed that the team would be short-handed in Miami.
John Jenkins will miss our first two preseason games (Tomorrow and Tuesday) with back spasms. He did not travel with us.
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) October 6, 2013
It seems as if this setback for Jenkins is one that isn’t terribly serious, but we will be unable to see the team at “full strength” in the first two games. When you add Jenkins’ absence to that of Lou Williams (who hasn’t returned in full from his ACL tear), it makes for an interesting situation at the 2-guard spot, with Kyle Korver and DeMarre Carroll as the only two guarantees on the wing.
At any rate, it’ll be tough to glean too much from this opening game (or any early-preseason game), but it’s time for competitive, in-game basketball, and I couldn’t be more excited. Stay tuned in this space for all of your Atlanta Hawks news!