Cleveland Cavs vs. Atlanta Hawks Game Day Preview
In this story:
Preview
The Atlanta Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers faced off in last year's Eastern Conference Play-In Tournament, and both added an All-Star guard during the offseason. However, the results have varied as Cleveland is 20 games over .500, while Atlanta has a subpar 37-38 record.
Nevertheless, both teams are still jockeying for postseason positioning, and tonight's game will swing the season series. Atlanta relied on an offensive explosion to win their last matchup and would greatly benefit from a fast-paced game again tonight.
Cleveland boasts the best defense in the NBA and an equally impressive eighth-offensive rating. However, they play at the slowest pace in the league. Despite their youth, Cleveland isn't interested in a run-and-gun game.
Trae Young has come alive after the All-Star break and is averaging roughly 27 points and ten assists per game. While Young's teammates have been unreliable on the offensive end as of late, they are due for a breakout game.
For two teams that were evenly matched last year, the early results demonstrate Cleveland made the better trade last summer. There are no do-overs in the NBA, but winning the season series and improving their seeding would help salvage an otherwise disappointing year for Atlanta.
Injury Report
Cleveland's injury report lists Jarrett Allen (groin) and Isaac Okoro (knee) as questionable. In addition, Dean Wade (illness) is doubtful, while Danny Green (illness) and Raul Neto (hamstring) are out.
Atlanta's injury report lists Jalen Johnson (mild left hamstring strain; mild left groin strain) as out
Odds
Spread: Atlanta Hawks (+1.5)
Over/Under Point Total: 234.5
Money Line: Atlanta Hawks (+100) Cleveland Cavaliers (-118)
*Odds provided by SI Sportsbook
Television, Streaming, & Radio
Location: State Farm Arena
Time: 7:30 p.m. EST
Radio: 92.9 FM The Game on the Audacy app.
Network: Bally Sports
Live Stream: Click here for a fuboTV free trial!
Uniforms
The Atlanta Hawks will wear their Statement Edition uniforms (black). The Cleveland Cavaliers will wear their Association Edition uniforms (white).
