The 2011-2012 NBA Schedule was released today and the Atlanta Hawks are scheduled (hopefully!) to open their season on November 2 in Minnesota. Of course due to the impending lockout, perhaps these games should be penciled in. Whatever the case, I like to be positive around here so lets take a closer look.
Atlanta's home opener on November 4 against the Boston Celtics is one of 12 National broadcasts and the first of seven on ESPN. TNT will televise Atlanta's match-up with Philadelphia at Philips Arena on Thanksgiving night November 24. The annual MLK Day game will be played on January 16 against the Toronto Raptors at 4 p.m. and will be televised on NBATV.
Atlanta will be tested early with nine of their first 13 games against 2011 Playoff teams. They host the NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks on November 19 and also play both of last year's playoff opponents, the Chicago Bulls and Orlando Magic on the road during that stretch.