Atlanta Hawks: 4 Things to Watch vs. Spurs

Oct 9, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer looks on during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans and the Atlanta Hawks at Veterans Memorial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Hawks preparation for the upcoming season continues on Wednesday night as the San Antonio Spurs travel to Philips Arena to face off with the Hawks in an exhibition game.

The Atlanta Hawks currently stand at 2-0 in the preseason after victories over the Cleveland Cavaliers and the New Orleans Pelicans. Head Coach Mike Budenholzer has taken advantage of the preseason schedule to play his starters and primary reserves extensively in order to create chemistry between the team’s new additions and their returning players.

-= Related: Thabo Sefolosha Probably to Play Against Spurs =-

Throughout the first two games, we have gotten a glimpse of the rotation that Mike Budenholzer intends to use throughout the season, showing the depth of the club at every position. This game gives former Spurs’ C Tiago Splitter the first chance to face his former team, while the Spurs depth will provide a great litmus test for the Atlanta Hawks to measure themselves against as the season approaches. 

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Thabo Sefolosha, recently acquitted of misdemeanor charges in New York, is expected to play in a limited role on Wednesday according to Budenholzer. Though not yet at 100 percent, Sefolosha’s presence is great for team morale and will give fans their first chance to see Sefolosha in the Hawks’ lineup.

Budenholzer, the former top assistant to Spurs Head Coach Gregg Poppovich, has implemented a similar system while in Atlanta, and maintains a close friendship with the Spurs’ legendary coach. Wednesday’s game is a great opportunity for both teams to prepare for the season, while providing great competition during a period that is usually overlooked. Here are 4 things to watch tomorrow as the Atlanta Hawks face the San Antonio Spurs.

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