Hawks vs Cavaliers: Game Preview, Injury Report, Projected Starting Lineups
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Atlanta and Cleveland are both on the second night of a back-to-back and both teams are coming off big wins.
The Hawks finished off their road trip with a win against a very shorthanded New York Knicks squad while the Cavaliers had one of the most impressive wins of anyone this season, defeating the Boston Celtics and ending their 11-game winning streak. While Atlanta has injury problems of their own, the Cavaliers could be very short-handed in this game.
Donovan Mitchell has already been ruled out for this game, but there is a chance that Cleveland is missing Evan Mobley and Max Strus tonight as well. Strus did not play vs Boston last night and Mobley was injured in the game last night. The Cavs could be missing multiple starters tonight when they face Atlanta in State Farm Arena.
Keep a close eye on the injury report today for this game not only for the Cleveland news, but there is always a chance that on the second night of a back-to-back, the Hawks have a surprise addition as well.
Let's preview tonight's game.
Game Preview
Atlanta got out to a big lead last night and was able to close out the Knicks with a strong fourth quarter.
The Hawks raced out to a 33-15 lead last night against a New York team missing four starters and though the Knicks were able to close the gap in the second and third quarters, Atlanta got a much-needed win. The offense still does not look great without Trae Young, but they got strong performances from Jalen Johnson, De'Andre Hunte, and Dejounte Murray.
Murray has been steady since Young was injured and had a near triple-double last night vs the Knicks. He is going to have to guide the Hawks against one of the NBA's best defenses tonight.
Jalen Johnson had two poor games vs Brooklyn, but he bounced back in a big way last night. Johnson scored 26 points, pulled in nine rebounds, and had seven assists in an all-around terrific performance. Atlanta needs more games like this from Johnson while Young is out and he delivered last night.
The starter that needs to find a way to get going is Bogdan Bogdanovic. Bogdanovic has had a terrific season overall, but these past five games have been rough for him on offense. He was 1-6 from the field and only scored five points last night.
Saddiq Bey had a solid game vs the Knicks, scoring 17 points and pulling in nine rebounds. The Hawks are one of the best offensive rebounding teams in the NBA and Bey is a reason why. When he is shooting the ball well and rebounding well, Bey makes up for his defensive shortcomings
It is fair to wonder if De'Andre Hunter is playing the best basketball of his career. Hunter had another 20-point performance off the bench and shot 9-14 from the field. Hunter has played really well off the bench for the past month or so.
Atlanta might need more from the rest of their bench rotation. Bruno Fernando, Garrison Matthews, and Trent Forrest scored 12 points combined last night.
Coming into this game, Atlanta ranks 5th in PPG, 22nd in field goal percentage, 7th in three-point attempts, 21st in three-point percentage, 5th in free throw attempts, 1st in offensive rebounding, and 13th in turnovers. Per Cleaning the Glass, the Hawks are 8th in points per 100 possessions, 20th in effective field goal percentage, 9th in turnover percentage, 5th in offensive rebounding percentage, and 8th in free throw rate.
Cleveland does have one of the best defenses in the NBA, but they might be missing their top defender tonight if Mobley does not play. The Cavs rank 2nd in PPG allowed, 4th in field goal percentage allowed, and 12th in three-point percentage allowed. Per Cleaning the Glass, Cleveland is 2nd in points allowed per 100 possessions and 3rd in effective field goal percentage.
Mar 5, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (1) shoots the ball as New York Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) defends during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
The offense for the Cavs is middle of the pack, but they are going to be without their All-Star Donovan Mitchell. Cleveland is 17th in PPG, 12th in field goal percentage, 10th in three-point attempts, 14th in three-point percentage, 25th in free throw attempts, 17th in offensive rebounding, and 14th in turnovers. Per Cleaning the Glass, Cleveland is 18th in points per 100 possessions, 13th in effective field goal percentage, 17th in turnover percentage, 20th in offensive rebounding percentage, and 20th in free throw rate.
The Hawks have one of the worst defenses in the NBA, but they have played fairly well over the past five games, holding three points to 100 points or fewer and they might be facing a watered-down version of Cleveland. Atlanta is 29th in PPG allowed, 28th in field goal percentage allowed, and 28th in three-point percentage allowed. Per Cleaning the Glass, the Hawks are 26th in points allowed per 100 possessions and 29th in effective field goal percentage allowed.
Injury Report
Onyeka Okongwu (left big toe sprain/sesamoiditis),Trae Young (left fifth finger torn ligament), and Kobe Bufkin (left big toe soreness) are out tonight for the Hawks. De’Andre Hunter (right knee injury management) is probable.
For the Cavs, they will be without Donovan Mitchell, Ty Jerome, Max Strus, and Evan Mobley.
Viewing and Betting Information
Tip-off time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time
Location: State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA
Where to Watch: NBA League Pass, Bally Sports Southeast
Spread and Over/Under: The Hawks will be favorites at home tonight, as they are currently 1.5 point favorites and the over/under is at 214.5 according to the latest odds from the SI Sportsbook
Projected Starting Lineups
Hawks:
G- Bogdan Bogdanovic
G- Dejounte Murray
F- Jalen Johnson
F- Saddiq Bey
C- Clint Capela
Cavaliers:
G- Darius Garland
G- Sam Merrill
F- Isaac Okoro
F- Dean Wade
C- Jarrett Allen
I will project Mobley out for now and Strus in, but the injury report will determine how accurate this projected lineup is
