Indiana Pacers vs Atlanta Hawks Picks and Predictions February 1st 2025

Red-Hot Pacers Look to Extend Hawks’ Losing Streak

The Indiana Pacers and Atlanta Hawks are trending in opposite directions as they meet Saturday night in Indianapolis. While the Pacers have surged into the Eastern Conference playoff picture with a dominant January, the Hawks are reeling, trying to snap a seven-game losing streak and cope with a key injury.

Pacers Finding Their Offensive Rhythm

Indiana (30-21) has been one of the NBA’s hottest teams, winning four of its last five and finishing January with a stellar 10-2 record. After a slow start to the season, the Pacers have rediscovered their offensive identity, averaging 134.5 points in their last two wins.

Their latest victory, a 133-119 home triumph over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday, showcased their scoring prowess. Indiana shot 56.8% from the field and drained 19-of-38 three-point attempts, with newly named All-Star Pascal Siakam leading the way with 37 points.

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Since arriving from Toronto, Siakam has flourished in Indiana, averaging 20.5 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. The three-time All-Star expressed his appreciation for the organization’s support.

“I’m blessed to be a part of this team. The support I’ve had since I’ve been here has been amazing. I don’t think I’ve ever had an organization show so much support from the top to the bottom. … It means a lot to represent the Pacers on All-Star Weekend.”

Indiana has climbed to the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference and continues to get strong contributions from Tyrese Haliburton (18.3 points, 8.6 assists per game) and Bennedict Mathurin (16.4 points per game). The Pacers will also look to continue their dominance over the Hawks, having swept last season’s four-game series.

Hawks Struggling Without Jalen Johnson

Two weeks ago, the Hawks (20-30) looked poised to make a playoff push. However, since their Jan. 18 win over the Boston Celtics, they’ve dropped seven straight games—their longest losing streak since 2019.

A major blow came with the loss of Jalen Johnson, who suffered a season-ending torn labrum in his shoulder. Johnson had been enjoying a breakout season, averaging 18.9 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists per game.

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Without Johnson, the offensive burden has fallen even more on Trae Young, who is averaging 22.5 points and an NBA-best 11.4 assists per game. Despite his strong play, Young was left off the Eastern Conference All-Star roster, a decision that left Hawks head coach Quin Snyder frustrated.

“I’m extremely disappointed. I haven’t coached him for long, but I feel like he’s had the best year of his career. I think that’s statistically supported. … No disrespect to anyone who made it, but as Trae’s coach, I am allowed to feel disappointment for him not making it.”

The Hawks’ struggles continued in Thursday’s 137-115 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The lone bright spot was rookie Zaccharie Risacher, who scored 30 points on an efficient 11-of-14 shooting. The 19-year-old, averaging 11.0 points per game, will represent Atlanta in the Rising Stars Challenge during All-Star Weekend.

What to Expect

The Pacers come into this matchup with momentum, while the Hawks are desperate to stop their slide. Indiana’s high-powered offense will test Atlanta’s struggling defense, especially without Johnson’s versatility on the court.

Will the Pacers keep rolling and extend their winning ways? Or can the Hawks pull off an upset and snap their losing streak? The answer awaits in Indianapolis.