The Atlanta Hawks and Detroit Pistons face off Friday, December 12, at 7:00 PM ET in Detroit, with both teams managing notable absences. Atlanta enters with a 14-11 record, while the Pistons hold a 19-5 mark and a two-game winning streak.
Atlanta will be without Trae Young (right knee MCL sprain), Kristaps Porzingis (illness), Jacob Toppin (right shoulder surgery), N’Faly Dante (concussion protocol), Eli John Ndiaye (G League two-way), and Nikola Djurisic (G League assignment). Caleb Houstan is listed as doubtful.
Detroit’s injury report includes Isaac Jones (left knee sprain), while Bobi Klintman, Chaz Lanier, Wendell Moore Jr., and Tolu Smith are unavailable due to G League assignments.
The Hawks will rely on Jalen Johnson, who leads the team averaging 23.4 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game, along with Nickeil Alexander-Walker (20.7 points) and Onyeka Okongwu (16.0 points, 7.4 rebounds).
For Detroit, Cade Cunningham remains the centerpiece, averaging 27.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 9.3 assists, supported by Jalen Duren’s 18.8 points and 11.5 rebounds and Duncan Robinson contributing 12.4 points per contest.
This matchup is a rematch, with Detroit winning both previous meetings this season, including a 99-98 victory at home on December 1 and a 120-112 win in Atlanta on November 18.
Both teams have shown contrasting trends: Atlanta has split their last two games with a 131-116 win over Washington and a 133-134 loss to Denver, while Detroit comes off two straight home victories over the Bucks and Trail Blazers.
With key starters sidelined, the Hawks’ bench will face increased pressure, while the Pistons aim to continue their dominant home performance, holding an 11-2 record at Little Caesars Arena.
