Preseason preview: Spurs face the Atlanta Hawks

The Spurs face the Hawks in the last of a three game road trip to begin the preseason. Even though the Silver and Black have started 0-2, there are definitely some things to be excited about. LaMarcus Aldridge, even though a tad out of sync at times, had a great performance against the Heat, finally getting to play alongside Tim Duncan and the rest of the Spurs who sat out the first game. That duo will hopefully wreak havoc on opposing front courts all season long.

San Antonio will face their former center, Tiago Splitter, and a Hawks team that has begun the preseason 2-0. Atlanta, often compared to the Spurs because of their unselfish play style, have fallen off as the popular pick to win the Eastern Conference, despite finishing last season with the league's second best 60-22 record. With the Cleveland Cavaliers being far and away the favorites to come out of the East, Mike Budenholzer's Hawks definitely have something to prove this season.

Duncan and Aldridge should be able to pound the ball inside against the Hawks' smaller bigs, Paul Millsap and Al Horford. Expect to see a large amount of high-low passing from those two. It will also be interesting to see how Tony Parker is able to keep up with the quick Jeff Teague, who's had a good preseason thus far. The Spurs' 7'3" Boban Marjanovic is still looking to find his rhythm this preseason, so keep an eye out for him.

You can watch this game on NBA TV, Wednesday night at 7 p.m.

Prediction: Spurs by 6.

For the Hawk's perspective, check out Peachtree Hoops.

UPDATE: Boris Diaw is out tonight, and LaMarcus Aldridge is likely sitting due to back spasms, per Jeff McDonald of SAEN.