The Cavaliers and Hawks are on different trajectories as they prepare to meet in Cleveland. The Cavs are rolling, having won nine of their last ten games and boasting a 13-1 record against Eastern Conference foes.
They, of course, are an amazing 17-1 overall.
Atlanta, meanwhile, is in the midst of a three-game losing streak, struggling to find consistency on both ends.
For Cleveland, this season has been about finding rhythm, and lately, they’ve hit their stride. The Cavs have been lighting it up offensively, averaging 124.4 points per game over their last 10 outings while also dominating the glass.
They rank fourth in the Eastern Conference in defensive rebounding, led by Jarrett Allen, who pulls down 8.6 boards per night. Combine that with Evan Mobley’s steady contributions — 17.6 points and 8.9 rebounds per game — and you’ve got a frontcourt that just wears teams down.
Defensively, the Cavs have been solid, giving up just 112.6 points per game during this stretch. That’s not a small feat in today’s NBA, where scoring is often through the roof.
Hawks Searching for Answers
On the other side, Atlanta (7-11) has been shaky, particularly on defense. They’re allowing 120.3 points per game over their last ten outings, which is a recipe for trouble in any matchup.
They’ve been relying heavily on Trae Young to keep them afloat. Young has been a playmaking machine, averaging nearly 22 points and a league-leading 11.9 assists per game.
But beyond Young, the Hawks have struggled to maintain balance. Dyson Daniels has brought some spark in transition, helping Atlanta rank sixth in the East with 15.9 fast break points per game, but their half-court offense has been inconsistent.
The Matchup
One area to watch is the three-point line. Cleveland is averaging 15.4 made threes a night, which could spell trouble for an Atlanta defense that gives up 16.7 long balls per game.
On the flip side, the Hawks aren’t much better on offense, making only 12.2 threes per game — fewer than the Cavs typically allow.
Basically, this is a classic case of a team having found its identity (Cleveland) versus a team still searching for one (Atlanta).
Injury Notes
Cleveland will be without Emoni Bates (knee) and Max Strus (ankle), while Caris LeVert (knee) and Dean Wade (ankle) are considered day-to-day. For Atlanta, Cody Zeller is out for personal reasons.
What to Expect
The Cavaliers have been nearly unbeatable against the East, and playing at home gives them another edge. But Atlanta isn’t a pushover; they have the talent to make this a competitive game.
The Hawks will need Young to control the pace and for their defense to show some life if they hope to avoid a fourth straight loss.
For Cleveland, the formula is clear — defend, rebound, and let Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Mobley, and Allen continue to carry the load. If they do that, their recent hot streak should continue.
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Can throw the numbers out the window here.
This is the Hawks. We’re the Cavs. And they manage to be a thorn in our side at least once every year.
Two games in three days against them specifically, is a true test for the Cavaliers.