Spurs vs Hawks Preview: Atlanta returns home at midpoint of preseason

It is fitting that new Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer's first game at Philips Arena would come against his old team the San Antonio Spurs and his mentor Gregg Popovich. The Hawks finally open the home portion of their preseason schedule Thursday night after going 1-2 in their first three games all on the road.

Last time out, Atlanta was soundly defeated by the New Orleans Pelicans in a game that saw Budenholzer continue to tinker with his lineup while continuing to get a better look at several players that were attempting to make the roster. The Hawks trimmed Damien Wilkins, Adonis Thomas and David Lighty from their roster on Monday and signed free agent forward Cartier Martin on Tuesday.

Thursday's game marks the midpoint of the preseason schedule and Budenholzer will likely start to tighten his rotation to more closely resemble what we should expect to see during the regular season. Lou Williams and Gustavo Ayon won't be back from injury until after the regular season starts and John Jenkins has not played during the preseason due to a nagging back injury. Jenkins has been able to get some shots up this week but is still listed as day-to-day.

The Spurs come into Thursday's game with a 1-2 record of their own having defeated CSKA Moscow in the opener while falling to Phoenix and Denver. Tim Duncan, Tony Parker nor Manu Ginobli played in the loss to the Nuggets so there is a chance that they get in some minutes Thursday against the Hawks.

Once again there is no TV options for the game but you can listen to Steve Holman call the action on the Hawks' new radio home 92.9 The Game FM.

Game Info:

Game Date/Time: Thursday, October 17, 7:30 p.m.

Location: Philips Arena, Atlanta, Georgia

TV: NONE

Radio: 92.9 The Game FM