The Detroit Pistons (22-21) head to State Farm Arena to take on the Atlanta Hawks (22-20) on January 22, 2025, at 7:30 PM ET. Both teams are jockeying for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference, with the Hawks currently holding the sixth spot and the Pistons just behind in seventh. Detroit is looking to snap a seven-game losing streak in Atlanta, dating back to 2020.
These teams last met on November 8, 2024, when Detroit edged out Atlanta 122-121 in a thriller. Cade Cunningham recorded a triple-double in that game, and the Pistons will look for more of the same as they aim to continue their strong road form this season.
Detroit Pistons Preview – Thriving on the Road
Detroit has shown resilience on the road, compiling a 12-10 record away from home. The Pistons are coming off a 107-96 victory over Houston on Monday, marking the start of a five-game road trip. Cade Cunningham continues to shine, averaging career highs with 24.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 9.3 assists. He has seven triple-doubles this season, showcasing his all-around impact.
Despite Cunningham’s standout play, turnovers have been an issue. He committed 10 against Houston, and the team ranks 22nd in the league in turnovers per game. Detroit will need to clean up its mistakes to have a chance against Atlanta. The Pistons have also leaned on Jalen Duren, who is averaging 14 rebounds per game in his last three outings, anchoring the team defensively.
Detroit has struggled historically in Atlanta but hopes its strong team chemistry and road success can turn the tide in this matchup.
Atlanta Hawks Preview – Consistency Needed
The Hawks enter this game looking to rebound after a 119-110 loss to the Knicks on Monday. Turnovers have plagued Atlanta all season, as they rank sixth in the NBA with 16.1 turnovers per game. Against New York, 23 giveaways led to 29 points for the opposition. Addressing this issue will be key for Atlanta.
Trae Young remains the centerpiece for the Hawks, leading the league with 11.7 assists per game while adding 23.3 points. He scored 27 points against the Knicks, though most came in the first half. Young also tallied 35 points and 13 assists in the November loss to Detroit, and Atlanta will rely on him again to spark their offense.
Injuries could play a factor for the Hawks. Zaccharie Risacher, the No. 1 overall pick in 2024, remains sidelined with a thigh injury, and his absence has impacted Atlanta’s depth. The Hawks are 11-7 at home and will look to leverage their crowd to snap their one-game skid.
Betting Prediction
The Hawks are slight 2.5-point favorites, with the total set at 235.5 points. Detroit’s strong road performance and recent win over Atlanta suggest they can cover the spread. However, Atlanta’s home advantage and Trae Young’s playmaking ability make this a tightly contested matchup.
Projected final score: Atlanta 118, Detroit 114. The total is likely to go under 235.5, given both teams’ occasional scoring inconsistencies and defensive focus late in games.
Pick: Detroit +2.5, Under 235.5
