Detroit vs Atlanta: Pistons can't hold off Hawks offense

Detroit have beaten Atlanta in their last two home games. A win is much more needed now for the Hawks. Will they bolster their motivation with a solid game?

The Pistons have won 5 of their last seven regular-season games, but they are still in 14th place in the Eastern Conference. The team's leaders played quite effectively on offense in the previous two games, and Detroit alternately defeated Toronto (108-106) and Indiana (101-106). Saddiq Bey, Cade Cunningham and Jerami Grant averaged over 18 points in the last two weeks, and Marvin Bagley has fit in well, becoming a valuable 4th option on the attack. We're pleased to see that the Pistons' sack is nearly empty. Only Frank Jackson will not play, while Hamidou Diallo's participation is in doubt due to illness. 

Atlanta have won 3 of its last four games, moving into 8th place in the Eastern Conference. Although they had a strong showing last year and could do so again now, it is next to impossible for them to compete for the top 6. John Collins is finally back from injury, Trae Young has deservedly made the All-Star Game starting five, and he continues to perform at his best. Bogdan Bogdanovic has improved significantly in the 2nd half of the season, while De'Andre Hunter and Danilo Gallinari have been a joy to watch in individual games. The Hawks' infirmary is now nearly empty, with only Kevin Huerter's participation in the game in question.

Last regular-season game, Nate McMillan's team defeated Washington, 117-111. Trae Young made only 6 of 22 shots from the field, but the Atlanta leader created fouls regularly and dished out eight assists. Huerter had almost his best game of the season with 26 points, and Bogdan Bogdanovic and Clint Capela contributed to the Hawks' success.

Even despite the underperformance of Trae Young, Atlanta scored 117 points against Washington, and their defensive play is no better than that of the Wizards. Detroit's leaders have been very unstable this season, and it's entirely possible that it won't be easy against the Hawks. John Collins and Bogdan Bogdanovic are capable of improvement compared to the last matchup, and then it could come down to a blowout. I want to place my money on the following picks:

• Handicap 2 (-7.5) for 1.90;
• Total Over 225.5 points for 1.70;
• Atlanta Total Over 119.5 points for 2.05.