Atlanta Hawks vs Detroit Pistons Picks and Predictions January 22nd 2025

Pistons chasing rare road win against Hawks

The Detroit Pistons head to Atlanta on Wednesday, seeking to continue their road success and break a seven-game losing streak at State Farm Arena. Despite their strong away record this season, the Pistons haven’t won in Atlanta since January 18, 2020. The matchup promises excitement as both teams look to rebound from recent challenges.

Detroit Thriving on the Road

The Pistons have been road warriors this season, boasting a 12-10 record after a 107-96 win over the Houston Rockets on Monday. Detroit coach J.B. Bickerstaff attributes this success to the team’s resilience in hostile environments.

“Oddly enough, our guys kind of thrive on the road, whatever those environments bring to them,” Bickerstaff said. “They like to be put in a situation where it’s Detroit vs. everybody, and it seems that’s when we tend to be at our best.”

This connectedness was evident in the first meeting between these two teams on November 8, when the Pistons edged the Hawks 122-121. Cade Cunningham’s game-winning shot with 8.5 seconds remaining sealed the victory.

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Cade Cunningham’s Career-Best Season

Cade Cunningham has been the centerpiece of Detroit’s success, delivering career highs in scoring (24.5 points), rebounding (6.5), and assists (9.3) through 39 games. His triple-double in the November matchup against Atlanta (22 points, 11 rebounds, 13 assists) underscores his impact.

While Cunningham’s playmaking remains critical, turnovers are a recurring issue. He had 10 turnovers in the win over Houston, something he acknowledges as an area for improvement. However, his willingness to be coached sets him apart.

“He has no problem with me having hard conversations with him, so we can hold him to a standard,” Bickerstaff said. “When it matters most, he’ll make the right play.”

Atlanta’s Turnover Troubles

The Hawks, sitting at 22-21, aim to bounce back after a 119-110 loss to the New York Knicks on Monday. Turnovers have plagued Atlanta all season, ranking 6th in the NBA with 16.1 per game. The Knicks capitalized on 23 Hawks turnovers, turning them into 29 points.

Coach Quin Snyder stressed the importance of improving execution and discipline.

“We’ve got to do a better job taking care of the ball,” Snyder said. “There were stretches of the game where we just didn’t do the things we have to do to play at the level we need to.”

Trae Young: Atlanta’s Leader

Trae Young continues to be the driving force for the Hawks, leading the league with 11.7 assists per game while averaging 23.3 points. Young showcased his dominance in the first matchup against Detroit with a game-high 35 points and 13 assists. However, consistency is key, as 18 of his 27 points against the Knicks came in the first half.

Young’s ability to maintain scoring pressure throughout the game will be crucial against a resilient Pistons defense.

Rookie Risacher Sidelined

The Hawks will be without rookie forward Zaccharie Risacher for at least another week as he recovers from a left adductor strain. The No. 1 overall pick of the 2024 draft has averaged 10.5 points and 3.5 rebounds this season. His absence affects Atlanta’s depth, particularly in the forward rotation.

Key Matchup: Cade Cunningham vs. Trae Young

The showdown between Cunningham and Young will be pivotal. Both players are elite playmakers capable of dictating the tempo. While Cunningham thrives on triple-doubles and facilitating team play, Young excels in scoring bursts and precise assists. The winner of this battle could tilt the game in their team’s favor.

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What to Watch For

1. Turnovers: Both teams struggle with turnovers, making ball security a critical factor.
2. Detroit’s Road Chemistry: Can the Pistons maintain their impressive road form in a historically tough venue?
3. Trae Young’s Consistency: Will Young sustain his scoring across all four quarters?
4. Cunningham’s Playmaking: Can he minimize turnovers while keeping his teammates involved?

Prediction

The Pistons have momentum on the road, but Atlanta’s home-court advantage and Trae Young’s leadership could pose a challenge. If Detroit can limit turnovers and capitalize on its defensive strengths, they may snap their Atlanta drought.