Here are a few things to know on Thursday:

1. Hawks beat Mavs

The Atlanta Hawks won their season opener at the Dallas Mavericks 117-111 on Wednesday night. Dennis Schroder led Atlanta in scoring with 28 points, two rebounds and seven assists. Michael Cunningham writes 10 observations from Wednesday's win. The Hawks play Charlotte on Friday at 7 p.m.

2. Patriots had makeover since Super Bowl LI

Ahead of Sunday's Super Bowl LI rematch between the Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots, D. Orlando Ledbetter writes these are the same two teams that faced off in February.

3. Roger Goodell explains why NFL did not create rule requiring players to stand during national anthem

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell held a press conference Wednesday explaining the NFL's meetings with players and owners earlier this week.

4. Evander Holyfield to be honored with Atlanta statue

Jeff Schultz wrote Evander Holyfield will be honored with a large bronze statue in December in Atlanta.

5. Dallas to host 2018 NFL Draft

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported the 2018 NFL Draft will be held at the Dallas Cowboy's AT&T Stadium.

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Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray (right) reacts with her teammate, guard Rhyne Howard, after a basket during the second half of a WNBA basketball first-round playoff game against the Indiana Fever at Gateway Center Arena on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Atlanta. 
(Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

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The city of Atlanta opened Azalea Fresh Market downtown to help residents find affordable groceries. (Natrice Miller/AJC)