Hawks Face Thunder Without Veterans in Preseason Matchup

Atlanta will host Oklahoma City in its final home preseason game at State Farm Arena, with the defending NBA champions planning to rest their veteran players. The Oct. 12 matchup gives the Hawks a chance to evaluate their rotation under coach Quin Snyder while potentially expanding opportunities for younger players and reserves.

According to Sports Illustrated, Oklahoma City planned to field rookies, two-way players and Exhibit 10 players rather than its regular rotation. Atlanta's lineup remained uncertain after the Hawks used most of their rotation players during their first three preseason games, sitting at least one starter in each contest.

The Hawks had one additional preseason game scheduled for Friday after facing the Thunder. Snyder's decisions on player availability could determine how much playing time the team's less-established players receive before the preseason concludes.

Atlanta's Aaron Wiggins and Lu Dort also provide a connection to Oklahoma City's championship team. Both players contributed to the Thunder's rebuilding efforts before the franchise moved them in transactions involving multiple second-round draft picks as Oklahoma City sought to manage its salary commitments and avoid the second apron.

Sports Illustrated reported that Dort had appeared in just one of Atlanta's first three preseason games, while Wiggins had played in all three. Wiggins delivered his strongest performance of that stretch against the Indiana Pacers on Saturday, scoring 13 first-half points on 3-for-6 shooting from 3-point range.

Several Atlanta players could benefit if the coaching staff reduces the workload of its regulars against Oklahoma City. Kobe Johnson, Cameron Corhen, Jalen Wilson, RayJ Dennis and Keshon Gilbert were among the candidates for increased minutes, while first-round rookie Zuby Ejiofor could also receive an extended opportunity.

Gilbert had missed Atlanta's previous two games, according to Sports Illustrated. The matchup therefore offered a potential opportunity to assess players who had received limited preseason action, depending on the final lineup decisions.

Oklahoma City's plans also included Kenrich Williams, who was ruled out of Monday's preseason game against Atlanta because of rest, according to CBS Sports, citing USA Today reporter Clemente Almanza. Williams and the Thunder's other regular players were not expected to travel to Atlanta.

Williams was expected to return Tuesday when Oklahoma City hosted Indiana. CBS Sports reported that he had averaged 15.5 minutes per game over the previous three seasons with the Thunder and had started 10 of his 194 regular-season appearances for the team.