Peachtree Hoops: Game 43: Hawks vs. Pistons

[Hawksquawk]

Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images

The Atlanta Hawks won their second straight game on Friday evening, and they did so while stopping a two-decade drought in San Antonio. With that positive result as the backdrop, Lloyd Pierce’s team will return home on Saturday evening to face off against Andre Drummond and the Detroit Pistons.

The Hawks and Pistons have been linked in trade talks (though they are reportedly cooling) but, on the court, there is also plenty of intrigue. Pierce expects Jeff Teague and Treveon Graham to be available to play for the first time since arriving, even with the caveat that no formal injury report has been released after Friday’s contest. In addition, the Hawks could conceivably have Alex Len (low back pain) back for this game, while the Pistons will be without both Blake Griffin and Luke Kennard.

At present, the Hawks are seen as small home underdogs in Las Vegas. Part of that is undoubtedly that Detroit had Friday off, while Atlanta faces the daunting task of a back-to-back with travel. Still, the Pistons aren’t an overwhelming opponent in terms of available talent and, if the Hawks can simply replicate their effort from Friday in San Antonio, optimism would be warranted.

Stay tuned throughout the day and be encouraged to utilize the comments below as a “game thread” for the action.

Game Info

Game Date/Time: Saturday, Jan. 18, 7:30 pm ET

Location: State Farm Arena

TV: Fox Sports Southeast, NBA League Pass

Radio: 92.9 The Game (Atlanta); Hawks Radio Network

Streaming: Fox Sports Go, NBA League Pass

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