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2022-23 NBA schedule breakdown: Spiciest matchups

Trae Young goes back to Madison Square Garden — Atlanta Hawks at New York Knicks, Nov. 2 (7:30 p.m.)

Spoiler:

Is the thing between Young and the Knicks fans a little played out at this point? That will probably be determined entirely on how good the Knicks are this season. The Hawks are looking to bounce back after their hiccup last season and their acquisition of Murray this summer. The Knicks are looking to find the magic of the 2020-21 season, especially with Brunson in the mix. Regardless, Knicks fans will boo Young the entire night and say some rude stuff about his hair. The Athletic

Miami Heat (First Game: Nov. 27)

Spoiler:

The Boston Celtics won the Eastern Conference last season, but the Heat remain a team to beat after posting the best record in the league in 2021-22.

Miami also embarrassed the Hawks in the first round of the playoffs, cruising to an easy series win in five games.

Young was especially held in check, averaging just 15.4 points and 6.0 assists per game in the series on 31.9 percent shooting, including 18.4 percent from three-point range. He shot 5-of-23 from the field in the last two games, both losses.

On the other hand, the series was a breakout for De'Andre Hunter, who averaged 21.2 points per game with 35 scored in the Heat's clinching Game 5. The forward has the talent to take the next step, but he needs to show it more consistently.

This game could be an opportunity for Hunter to show his ability, Young to bounce back and the entire team to show it's a real contender in the East. Bleacher Report

Jamaaliver wrote:

2022-23 NBA schedule breakdown: Spiciest matchups
...
On the other hand, the series was a breakout for De'Andre Hunter, who averaged 21.2 points per game with 35 scored in the Heat's clinching Game 5. The forward has the talent to take the next step, but he needs to show it more consistently.
...Bleacher Report[/spoiler]

Brad Rowland wrote:October 29, 2022: at Milwaukee Bucks (8:00 p.m. ET)

The Hawks have a very soft schedule to begin the season, opening up with the Rockets, Magic, Hornets, and Pistons (twice). Realistically, Atlanta could be 4-1 or 5-0 when they face their first big test, and it is a road tilt in Milwaukee. These two teams played in the conference finals two years ago, and the Hawks actually tested the Bucks in that setting. A lot has changed, but this will be a nice measuring stick for Atlanta early in the season.

December 7, 2022: at New York Knicks (ESPN, 7:30 p.m. ET)

Madison Square Garden is always an appealing venue, and that is doubly true when Trae Young comes to town. The Hawks famously upended the Knicks in a playoff series two seasons ago, and Young was “welcomed” by the crowd in New York. That player/fan base rivalry continues, and these teams could also be competing for playoff position, particularly if the Knicks are able to add Donovan Mitchell in the coming weeks.

January 16, 2023: vs. Miami Heat (TNT, 3:30 p.m. ET)

MLK Day in Atlanta is always a strong atmosphere, and this season should be no different. This is a rematch of the 2021 playoff series between the two clubs, and it is one of only three TNT games for the Hawks this season. Trae Young will likely have a bit of extra motivation after a disastrous playoff series for him individually, and this could be a playoff preview again given the strength of the two teams.

January 18, 2023: at Dallas Mavericks (ESPN, 7:30 p.m. ET)

There isn’t quite the same fervor on all sides of the Trae Young-Luka Doncic debate these days, in large part because both teams seem to be quite happy with their superstars and the two are quite friendly off the court. Still, there is always plenty of juice behind this matchup between the players and teams, and this is the nationally televised version this season. It feels like a lifetime ago that the Hawks did a number on the Mavericks in the 2021-22 season opener, but the opportunity to see two of the game’s best offensive creators on display is highly appetizing.

February 7, 2023: at New Orleans Pelicans (TNT, 7:30 pm ET)

In February, two intriguing teams get together on a stage they don’t always receive. The Hawks visit New Orleans and, if Zion Williamson and Trae Young are on the floor, the matchup will feature two elite offensive talents. Beyond that, these are clubs battling for playoff positioning in their respective conferences, and it is a good measuring stick for both teams.

Jamaaliver wrote:It's almost time...