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Hawks vs. Pelicans preview: Hawks bigs get an early look at one of the league's best

The Hawks take on the Pelicans and one of the best rising stars in the NBA in Anthony Davis.

Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Hawks are looking to go 2-0 in the preseason as they face the New Orleans Pelicans in Jacksonville. Atlanta is coming off of a 2-point victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers Wednesday night in Cincinnati, where Jeff Teague erupted for 15 points in the first half for the Hawks.

New Orleans is coming off of a 5-point victory in Indianapolis over the Pacers, where Anthony Davis led his team with 18 points and eight rebounds in just 15 minutes. Davis did not see action in the second half for the Pelicans, who come into this season under new head coach Alvin Gentry, who is fresh off of a championship run as an assistant with the Warriors.

Matchups to look for in this one are not hard to find. First and foremost, it will be interesting to see how the Hawks bigs play against Anthony Davis. The Pelicans also boast explosive scoring shooting guard Eric Gordon, and Jrue Holiday, brother of the Hawks' Justin Holiday. While they aren't the NBA's most powerful offensive guards by any means, how the Hawks defend them will be something to keep an eye on.

Overall, the Hawks appear to have the more superior team. Just like the first preseason game, it seems the game can be won on the bench, considering the Hawks current bench depth compared to that of their competition.

Game Info

Game Date/Time: Friday, October 9, 7:00 p.m. ET

Location: Veterans Memorial Arena, Jacksonville, Florida

TV: NONE

Radio:No local radio; NBA Audio League Pass