Hawks open summer-league play against Nets

Hawks forward Taurean Prince (12) looks to pass as Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) defends in the second half of an NBA basketball game on Thursday, April 6, 2017, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Todd Kirkland)

Hawks forward Taurean Prince (12) looks to pass as Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) defends in the second half of an NBA basketball game on Thursday, April 6, 2017, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Todd Kirkland)

The Hawks will play the Nets, Pelicans and Bulls in their first three games of the Las Vegas Summer League. The schedule of the first games in the tournament that runs from July 7-17 on the campus of the UNLV was released Thursday.

The Hawks’ entry will play:

  • The Nets at 8 p.m. (ET) July 7 at Cox Pavilion on NBA TV.
  • The Pelicans at 4 p.m. (ET) July 9 at Cox Pavilion on NBA TV.
  • The Bulls at 4 p.m. (ET) July 10 at Cox Pavilion on ESPNU.

Following the first three games, the 24-team field will be seeded and participate in a tournament-style format. Each team in guaranteed five games. The championship game will be held at 10 p.m. (ET) July 17 on ESPN.

The tournament consists mostly of first- and second-year players. The Hawks have already indicated that last year’s first-round picks Taurean Prince and DeAndre Bembry will participate. The Hawks have three selections in next week’s NBA Draft, with picks Nos. 19, 31 and 60.

Hawks assistant coach Charles Lee will direct the Hawks’ entry.