2013 Atlanta Hawks schedule: Key games will indicate playoff readiness

The key matchups of the 2013-14 season will pit Atlanta against familiar faces and foes that will test or torture the Hawks as they chase another postseason berth under new leadership.

Nov. 20 vs. Pistons -- Atlanta hosts Smith for the first time. Though Smith left for Detroit with out-of-rhythm, two-point jumpers in the mind of Hawks fans, it’s hard to forget that he was consistently a borderline All-Star. Atlanta replaced Smith with the stylistically different and under-appreciated Millsap, and both Detroit and Atlanta will be vying for postseason spots as lower-tier contenders.

April 2 vs. Bulls -- A late-season game will provide a glimpse at how ready the Hawks are for a physical brand of playoff basketball should they be in the running for postseason play. If they are, there’s a good chance the Hawks will be fighting for seeding, if not a spot itself.

To start January, the Hawks consecutively play the Warriors, Bulls, Nets, Pacers, Rockets, Grizzlies, Nets and Heat. In the four games following that grueling eight-game string, Atlanta will play the Magic, Spurs, Bucks and Thunder.

The Hawks should make sure to take advantage of the March schedule. There is an early road back-to-back against the Warriors and Clippers, but that road trip starts with Boston, Phoenix and Portland. After the tough pair of games, Atlanta closes out its longest road swing against Utah. For the rest of March, there aren’t any games the Hawks would be considered major underdogs. There are also games against the Suns at home, the Sixers and Bobcats.

Back-to-backs: 20

Season opener: Oct. 30 at Dallas

Home opener: Nov. 1 vs. Raptors

Longest road trip: Six games (Feb. 26-March 10)

Longest homestand: Four games (Dec. 4-13)