After one week of training camp, the Hawks will play a game against an opponent wearing a different uniform as the seven-game exhibition schedule begins tonight. The Hawks will play the two-time defending world champion Heat in Miami. Game time is 7:30 p.m. and will be broadcast by 92.9 FM and NBA TV.

I will not be in Miami for the game but we be in Asheville, N.C., for tomorrow night's game against the Bobcats. SportSouth, in a shared broadcast with Charlotte, will televise the game.

I asked coach Mike Budenholzer what he expects to get out of tonight's contest as it's still early in the implementation of his offensive and defensive systems.

"I think our guys are looking forward to playing somebody besides themselves," Budenholzer said. "The NBA is that way. We are used to a lot of games. Getting to go against somebody else and playing against a great team like Miami with their defensive principles, all the things they do well, it will be a good first look for our group."

The Heat, with an established roster and system, present a bit of a measuring stick on where the Hawks are early in their implementations.

"They are a very good defensive group so they will be prepared," Budenholzer said of the Heat. "I think they wake up ready to play defense. They are very good offensivley too so it will test our defense."

As I first reported Sunday, John Jenkins (lower back spasms) is not on the trip. Lou Williams (torn ACL) has also not been cleared.

There will be a couple of things to watch.

1. How long will the starters play? Budenholzer needs time for the unit to run the offensive and defensive systems, still not fully implemented. At the same time you don't want to risk injury and there are 13 other players who will suit up that need to be evaluated.

2. What will be the rotation at small forward? Budenholzer and James Johnson, who is getting a lot of run at the small forward position, both told me Sunday it's too early to say anyone has an inside track on the position by DeMarre Carroll. However, this will be an indication of what way the staff in leaning.

3. What will be the rotation at point guard? One of the other open battles in training camp is for a third point guard position behind Jeff Teague and Dennis Schroder. Shelvin Mack is on a non-guaranteed contract and the Hawks brought in veteran Royal Ivey as a training camp invite to compete for a spot.

4. How much playing time will Eric Dawson, David Lighty and Andonis Thomas get? The three training camp invites saw limited action in the open scrimmage Saturday. Each played only about eight minutes. They are long shots to make the roster.