Sunday’s game between the Atlanta Hawks and the Miami Heat “doesn’t count” but that doesn’t mean there isn’t any anticipation for the proceedings. Mike Budenholzer and company will hit the road to open the 2017-2018 preseason and, after not being able to watch the Hawks function as a complete team since April 28, it is nice to plan around taking in a basketball game.

There is plenty to watch for, including the first run of action for rookies John Collins and Tyler Dorsey. It is never a good idea to take too much of rotational decisions from Budenholzer in this kind of spot but, if nothing else, it would be wise to monitor the development (especially in particular skills) of young players and the potential fit of new faces like Dewayne Dedmon.

The game isn’t being broadcast locally but, if you have the benefit of NBA TV on your television package, this is a great time to use it. Someone, somewhere will have a sweeping overreaction (or two) to what we see this evening in Miami but basketball is back and that is fun.

Stay tuned.

Game Info

Game Date/Time: Sunday, October 1, 6:00 p.m. ET

Location: American Airlines Arena

TV: NBA TV

Radio: 92.9 “The Game” FM