Dyson Daniels and 2 other potential X-factors

The Atlanta Hawks and Brooklyn Nets open their regular season in a showdown on Wednesday.

Both teams are in the transition phase. But while the Hawks have a bona fide star in Trae Young and — at least seemingly — have a plan to remain competitive going forward, the Nets' best players would ideally be complementary players.

However, that doesn't mean the Hawks can take the Nets lightly.

They could finish the season with the NBA's leading scorer, with fourth-year guard Cam Thomas a true running back. That makes Hawks guard Dyson Daniels a potential X-factor.

Thomas averaged 22.5 points (on 55.4% shooting) in the 2023-24 season. He averaged 14.8 PPG in the preseason, tied for the team lead with teammate Cam Johnson. But Thomas is a volume shooter who can get hot at any moment.

He provides a perfect test of Daniels' reputation as a defensive stopper.

The 1.90 meter tall Daniels is a big guard. And he's not afraid to show off his defensive skills and has his sights set on making the first-team all-defense team this season.

Daniels vs. Thomas is considered one of the game-winning clashes, assuming duels occur frequently. Hawks head coach Quin Snyder has wavered on his starting lineup decision.

Daniels is a top candidate to see at least a large portion of the minutes at 2.

If he does that, he and Thomas should put on a show. Even though Daniels' shaky offense meets Thomas' disinterested defense, the fight is one to keep an eye on.

Another X-Factor battle to watch will be between Young (of course) and former Hawks guard Dennis Schroder, who spent five seasons with the organization from 2013-14 to 2017-18.

Schroder is a lively player who enjoys getting under his opponents' skin. Young – who can sometimes become chatty with officials – must stay focused and not get caught up in his opponent's mental tactics.

It is noteworthy that Young and Schroder are 6:6 in their direct duels.

This game will feature some extremely versatile forwards between Jalen Johnson of the Hawks and Cameron Johnson of the Nets. They could each be X-factors and it goes deeper for both sides.

The Hawks also have De'Andre Hunter and No. 1 overall rookie Zaccharie Risacher — perhaps the biggest X-factor of all — who could compete for a starting spot early in the season. The Nets have Dorian Finney-Smith, a veteran who provides solid two-way play.

Although on paper the advantage is with the Hawks, don't discount what the Nets group can do.