The red-hot Atlanta Hawks will take another crack at the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday. Atlanta, 13-1 heading into its showdown with the home team, is winless in three tries against the Pistons. Still, a victory will be crucial as the Hawks try to nail a tightly contested guaranteed playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Meanwhile, the Pistons (52-19) look to sweep the season series against the Hawks and keep the Boston Celtics (47-24) from taking over the No. 1 seed in the East. Detroit looks to stay unbeaten since All-Star guard Cade Cunningham was diagnosed with a collapsed lung almost two weeks ago. Jalen Duren, Tobias Harris, Ausar Thompson and Daniss Jenkins will lead the host team.
Atlanta Hawks vs Detroit Pistons Odds
Moneyline: Hawks (+125) vs. Pistons (-154)
Odds: Hawks (+2.5 -105) vs. Pistons (-2.5 -115)
Total (O/U): Hawks (o227.5 -105) vs. Pistons (u227.5 -112)
Editor’s Note: The odds could change closer to the game.
Atlanta Hawks vs Detroit Pistons Injury Reports
Hawks Injury Report
All-Star forward Jalen Johnson (shoulder) has been upgraded to questionable heading into the crucial matchup against the Pistons. Johnson hopes to return after sitting out the Hawks’ last two games.
Pistons Injury Report
Besides Cade Cunningham (lung), Isaiah Stewart (calf) is also on the Pistons’ inactive list. Marcus Sasser (hip) and Javonte Green (ankle) are both questionable.
Atlanta Hawks vs Detroit Pistons Starting Lineups
Hawks Starting Lineup
PG: CJ McCollum | SG: Nickeil Alexander-Walker | SG: Dyson Daniels | PF: Mouhamed Gueye | C: Onyeka Okongwu
Pistons Starting Lineup
PG: Daniss Jenkins | SG: Ausar Thompson | SF: Duncan Robinson | PF: Tobias Harris | C: Jalen Duren
Atlanta Hawks vs Detroit Pistons Prediction
The Hawks finally don’t have to deal with Cade Cunningham’s shooting and playmaking problems. Without the versatile guard dictating Detroit’s tempo and offense, Atlanta might finally have a chance to break through.
However, Hawks might also miss Jalen Johnson, the team’s most impactful and versatile player. Without Johnson, Atlanta could be an even bigger underdog than the odds indicate.
If Johnson is out, the Pistons likely pull off another win without their franchise player. If Johnson returns, expect the Hawks to leave Detroit with a victory.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball and college baseball.
