Hawks vs. Heat preview: Atlanta looks to get early jump against divisional foe

The Atlanta Hawks will start off the second week of the NBA season against the Miami Heat on the road. The Heat are 2-1 on the young season, with wins over the Charlotte Hornets and the Houston Rockets, with their one loss against the Cavaliers in Cleveland.

Atlanta is seeking their fourth straight win, after coming off of a close game on the road in Charlotte on Sunday afternoon. The Hawks will be without Thabo Sefolosha, who will be resting his ankle, a trend we can expect to see for most of the season. Mike Muscala is questionable with a right ankle sprain that he suffered in the season opener against Detroit.

Miami has the best frontcourts the Hawks have seen all season in Chris Bosh and Hassan Whiteside, and will put up quite a challenge for the Hawks bigs. Bosh and Whiteside are averaging 15.7 and 13.3 points apiece. The duo combines for 17.7 rebounds per game as well. The impact of the offseason acquisition of Tiago Splitter will really be on display in this game in terms of seeing the relief he can provide for the Hawks' starters.

Guard play will also be another interesting aspect in this one, with the Heat's Goran Dragic and a healthy Dwyane Wade leading the way for Miami. Wade is leading the Heat in scoring with 21.7 points per game. The Hawks rotation has been somewhat scattered throughout the season, and to see how they handle it Tuesday night will be something to watch for.

Game Info

Game Date/Time: Tuesday, November 3, 7:30 p.m. ET

Location: American Airlines Arena, Miami, Florida

TV: FOX Sports Southeast, NBA TV

Radio: 92.9 The Game FM