Looking at the Atlanta Hawks schedule in October 2022

The Atlanta Hawks need a strong opening month to their 2022-23 season to try and erase some of the memories of last season. With the moves that they made over the offseason, it is really important that they get their chemistry going early and not put the pressure on the end of the season.

The importance of a good start to the season cannot be highlighted enough. In a season that is going to have its ups and downs, this solid grounding takes the pressure off throughout the second part of the schedule. When the season grind is on, having the ability to rest players thanks to a good record could mean the difference between long-term injury or just a night off.

The Hawks’ record through October last season was 3-3 in the six games. Unfortunately, the Hawks then went 1-7 for the first eight games in November and the pressure was on. This season the Hawks have seven games in the first month of the season, let’s take a look at whether they can set their season up early.

The Atlanta Hawks have a relatively easy start to the 2022-23 season.

The Hawks have three home games to start their season. They open the season against the rebuilding Houston Rockets. This should be a good game to ease into the season. Players like Dejounte Murray will be keen to show what they can do with the Hawks so will have just a little bit more of an edge than they usually do.

Then Murray and the Hawks will renew their rivalry with Paolo Banchero and the Orlando Magic in the second game of the season. This is the start of a very important season series where if the Hawks can take all four then they will have a good chance of surpassing their win/loss predictions.

The third game of this homestand is against the Charlotte Hornets. This could be the first real test for the Hawks on the season given they were in a similar seeding towards the end of last season. This is the chance for the Hawks to make a statement given their roster changes over the offseason.

Then the Hawks take on their first road trip of the season. The first two games of the trip are against the Detroit Pistons. The young team from Motor City gave the Hawks some challenges last season. With the Pistons losing Jerami Grant, a noted problem for the Hawks, and the Hawks gaining Murray, both of these games are probable wins.

Then the Hawks face their first real test of the season, facing the Milwaukee Bucks on their home floor. The Bucks were at the top of the Eastern Conference last season and any time that Giannis Antetokounmpo is on the floor, that team is a challenge. Still, the Hawks have the Giannis whisperer Onyeka Okongwu to help curb the Greek Freak’s impact.

Lastly, the Hawks round out the road trip and the month against the Toronto Raptors. This was a playoff team last season and there is no evidence yet as to why they would not be a tough team again. Also, with it being the last game of the first road trip, there is an element of danger for the Atlanta Hawks in this one.

Predicted October record: 5-2