The Brooklyn Nets are 2-2 this season and, given that the team finished 35-37 and lost all four playoff games in 2019-20, it may sound wild to consider the Nets a title contender. However, Brooklyn adds Kevin Durant to the mix in 2020-21 and, with Kyrie Irving healthy and back in action, the Nets have flashed considerable upside in the early going. On Wednesday, the Atlanta Hawks visit Barclays Center for the first of two games against the Nets in three days.

Atlanta will face its biggest challenge to date when the team takes the floor on Wednesday, in large part due to Brooklyn’s dynamic offense. In short, the Nets are (much) more talented and explosive than the three teams the Hawks have played thus far, and PTH’s Glen Willis put together a defensive preview that is worth viewing before tip-off.

Offensively, the Hawks have been quite strong through three games, and they should be able to score effectively against the Nets. That is especially true if Trae Young can continue his torrid pace, and Atlanta’s emerging depth is a noted strength at this stage.

Injury-wise, the Hawks will be keeping an eye on Clint Capela (left Achilles soreness) and Danilo Gallinari (left foot contusion) before tip-off. Capela was listed as probable, with Gallinari as questionable. The Nets will be without Spencer Dinwiddie (knee), though Durant and Irving are expected to play after resting earlier this week.

For the first time this season, the Hawks will take the floor as an underdog, at least in betting circles, and this is something of a measuring stick for Atlanta. As such, it will be interesting to see how the team responds on the road.

Stay tuned throughout the day for all the latest, with a game thread to arrive shortly before tip-off.

Game Info

Game Date/Time: Wednesday, Dec. 30, 7:30 pm ET

Location: Barclays Center

TV: Fox Sports Southeast

Radio: 92.9 The Game (Atlanta); Hawks Radio Network

Streaming: Fox Sports Go; NBA League Pass (out of market)