Just a half-game separates the Atlanta Hawks and Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference standings, and that sets the stage for tonight’s clash, which could have playoff tiebreaker implications down the road.
The backcourt battle between Trae Young and Cade Cunningham is the headline act here, but my Pistons vs. Hawks predictions point to Atlanta’s recent line-up switch being another decisive factor.
Take a closer look at this January 22 matchup with my NBA picks and betting angles.
Pistons vs Hawks prediction
My best bet
Onyeka Okongwu Over 22.5 points + rebounds (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
It feels long overdue, but the Atlanta Hawks have finally made the line-up adjustment that’s felt inevitable for the past few years – with Quin Snyder moving solid veteran Clint Capela to the bench in favor of livewire Onyeka Okongwu.
Okongwu has been a steady bench contributor throughout his four-and-a-half seasons in Atlanta, but his athleticism is a better fit with the Hawks’ starting group and he seized his chance against the New York Knicks on Monday with 14 points and nine rebounds.
I expect more of the same tonight against the Detroit Pistons. Okongwu has gone past this points + rebounds combo line in four straight games and, as a starter, his minutes should stay closer to 30 than 20, giving him ample opportunities to pump up his stats.
Detroit presents challenges on the boards, largely with Jalen Duren’s relentless energy, but that should keep Okongwu around the rim rather than roaming the perimeter, so double-digit rebounds are in play.
The Atlanta power forward also brings far more offensive upside than Capela. He’s an efficient finisher around the rim, including as a lob target for Trae Young, and he’s even made three of his last five 3-pointers as he expands his range.
Next to Jalen Johnson (questionable) and Dyson Daniels, Okongwu can also give the Hawks’ defense a boost, and he’s well placed to hit this Over in his new starting role.
Pistons vs Hawks same-game parlay
Onyeka Okongwu Over 22.5 points + rebounds
Hawks moneyline
Cade Cunningham Over 2.5 3-pointers
There’s not much to choose between two teams on the rise, but I’m taking the Atlanta moneyline for my SGP and trusting in a fast-paced Hawks offense that’s sixth in the NBA in points per game and third in both field-goal attempts and free-throw attempts.
The hosts have won seven of the last eight matchups against the Pistons, and they’re 11-7 at State Farm Arena this season. Atlanta is also coming off impressive wins over the Phoenix Suns and Boston Celtics last week.
Jalen Johnson’s availability is the biggest question mark for me, so soon after returning from a shoulder issue, but I expect the Hawks to find enough points either way.
I’m also riding the hot hand with a Cade Cunningham prop. He’s playing at an All-Star level as the engine for this Detroit offense, and that includes a 40% mark from downtown so far in January (up from 34% in December).
Cade has knocked down two or more 3-pointers in seven of his 11 contests this month, and he should be able to shoot over Young and Daniels in tonight’s showdown. Sign me up for the Over on 2.5 made triples here.
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Pistons vs Hawks odds
Pistons vs Hawks live odds
Pistons vs Hawks opening odds
- Spread: Detroit +3 (-110) | Atlanta -3 (-110)
- Moneyline: Detroit +125 | Atlanta -150
- Over/Under: Over 234 (-110) | Under 234 (-110)
Odds courtesy of bet365
Pistons vs Hawks spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Hawks are pegged as slight favorites on their home floor, and the line has crept up to 3 after opening at 2.5. It could slide back if Johnson is ruled out.
- Detroit has won three in a row on the road to improve to 12-10 away from Little Caesars Arena, but Atlanta is 5-2 ATS in the past seven meetings between these teams.
- The Over is 25-15-2 for the Hawks this season, though they enter tonight on the heels of three straight Unders.
- The Over is 7-2-1 in the teams’ past 10 clashes, including a free-scoring 122-121 Pistons victory back in November.
Pistons vs Hawks trend
The Hawks have covered the 4Q spread in 21 of their last 31 outings at State Farm Arena. Find more NBA betting trends for Pistons vs. Hawks.
How to watch Pistons vs Hawks
| Location | State Farm Arena, Atlanta, Georgia |
| Date | Wednesday, 1-22-2025 |
| Tip-off | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | FDSN Detroit, FDSN SE-ATL |
Pistons vs Hawks latest injuries
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