Atlanta Hawks: 2014 Preseason Preview

By Adam McGee | Aug 24, 2014

Apr 28, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Kyle Korver (26) and forward Mike Scott (32) react during the second quarter in game five of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 2, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) shoots a basket between Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) and guard Jeff Teague (0) in the first half at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports /

Chicago Bulls – Oct. 16

The Chicago Bulls enter the new season as one of the favorites to reach the Finals out of the Eastern Conference. Derrick Rose is currently building up his fitness, and looking impressive, with USA Basketball, while the addition of Pau Gasol should add an extra dimension to an already talented Bulls roster.

This would seem like it spells bad news for the Hawks too, as there is perhaps no team they’ve struggled against more than Chicago over the past couple of seasons.

Last year, the Bulls won all four meetings between the teams, and as a result this game will carry extra significance for Atlanta as they try to find a foothold in the matchup. Tom Thibodeau’s stifling defensive system has always made things difficult for Atlanta, and coach Mike Budenholzer’s ball movement based system was no exception.

With Chicago’s weaknesses on offense, perhaps the Hawks would be best suited to approaching the game from a defensive mindset also.

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