Hawks vs Spurs: Game Preview, Injury Report, and Projected Starting Lineups From Tonight's Summer League Matchup

Can the Hawks bounce back and get their first Summer League game tonight?

Jul 12, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Washington Wizards guard Jules Bernard (14) attempts to block a shot by Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (10) during the second half at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports / Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Hawks are back in action tonight in Las Vegas as they take on the San Antonio Spurs. Atlanta fell short on Friday night against the Wizards, but despite the loss, there were a lot of encouraging things that came from that game.

The opponent tonight is the San Antonio Spurs. The Hawks and the Spurs are two teams that have been linked together over the past few seasons due to trades. Tonight, two of the top picks in the 2024 NBA Draft are going to be facing each other for the first time. No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher scored 18 points Friday night and No. 4 overall pick Stephon Castle scored 22 points just last night. Risacher and Castle are going to be two of the most intriguing rookies this year and tonight they go head to head.

Let's preview tonight's game.

Game Preview

All eyes were on Risacher Friday night and he did not disappoint. He had a very solid Summer League debut, scoring 18 points and showing a wide skillset that made him the No. 1 pick. For tonight, I am looking for Risacher to be more efficient on offense and to improve his off-ball defense.

Nikola Djurisic got the start at the point guard spot and he had flashes of high level passing ability, but shooting and free throw shooting were not very good. Like Risacher (and really the rest of the Hawks), I want to see Djurisic take better shots.

Mouhamed Gueye had a very sollid first game for Atlanta on Friday, scoring 17 points, grabbing four rebounds, and getting three steals. Gueye is hoping to be a real contributor to the Hawks roster this season and his upside flashed on Friday night. He has to work on staying out of foul trouble, but Gueye played physically, especially on defense.

Other players to watch the Hawks tonight include Keaton Wallace (who was just awarded a new two-way contract), Jarkel Joiner, E.J. Liddell, Miles Norris, Dylan Windler, and Rob Baker. Wallace showed great on-ball defense and all around ability on Friday night, which is why he was awarded a two-way contract. Liddell had moments in the second half and I am curious to see if he gets more minutes tonight.

Overall, I want to see if the Hawks offense is better than it was on Friday. The Hawks defense was solid last game, but the offense struggled for most of the night. Windler was the only player who shot well from three and the Hawks are going to need better outside shooting if they want to get their first win tonight.

Injury Report

Hawks guard Kobe Bufkin injured his shoulder and is not playing in Summer League.

Projected Starting Lineups

Hawks:

G- Nikola Djurisic

G-Zaccharie Risacher

F-Dylan Windler

F- Mouhamed Gueye

C- Rob Baker

Spurs:

G- Stephon Castle

G- Jamaree Bouyea

F-Harrison Ingram

F-Sidy Cissoko

C-Nathan Mensah