Cleveland Cavs at Atlanta Hawks Preview

The Atlanta Hawks host the Cleveland Cavaliers for the first time after coaching change.

Preview

After nine days without games, the Atlanta Hawks are back in action tonight against the Cleveland Cavaliers. In case you missed it, Hawks head coach Nate McMillan was fired, and Trae Young dropped a subtle hint about his preferred coach.

Coaching drama aside, Atlanta needs a win at home tonight. With over 70% of the season in the rearview mirror, Atlanta has a subpar 29-30 record and ranks eighth in the Eastern Conference.

Meanwhile, Cleveland is 38-24 and sitting at fourth in the Eastern Conference, thanks to the successful experiment of pairing Donovan Mitchell with Darius Garland this season.

Much has been made about Mitchell's stellar individual performances this season, but Cleveland is clicking as a team. They have the best defensive rating and second-best net rating in the NBA. In layperson's terms, they are a legitimate championship contender.

While Cleveland prepares for a deep playoff run, Atlanta is just trying to squeak into the postseason. A win at home tonight would do a lot to settle the nerves of an anxious Hawks fanbase.

Injury Report

Cleveland does not have any injuries to report at this time. Atlanta's injury report lists John Collins (concussion protocol) as out.

Odds

Spread: Atlanta Hawks (-1.5)

Over/Under Point Total: 225.5

Money Line: Atlanta Hawks (-118) Cleveland Cavaliers (+100)

*Odds provided by SI Sportsbook

Television, Streaming, & Radio

Location: State Farm Arena

Time: 7:30 p.m. EST

Radio: 92.9 FM The Game

Network: Bally Sports

Live Stream: Click here for a fuboTV free trial!

Uniforms

The Atlanta Hawks will wear their Statement Edition uniforms w(black). The Cleveland Cavaliers will wear their Association Edition uniforms (white).