Pistons Aim for 6th Seed in East with Crucial Game Against Hawks

ATLANTA, Ga. — The Detroit Pistons, riding high after a recent victory over the Houston Rockets, face a pivotal matchup against the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday, January 22, at State Farm Arena. A win would propel the Pistons into the 6th seed in the Eastern Conference, marking a significant turnaround for a team many had written off earlier in the season.

The Pistons (22-21) and Hawks (22-20) are both vying for playoff positioning, with head-to-head results potentially playing a crucial role in tiebreakers. The Pistons narrowly defeated the Hawks in their last meeting, despite nearly squandering a large lead. This rematch promises to be a high-stakes battle between two young, ascending teams.

Atlanta has defied expectations this season, opting to retool around star guard Trae Young and emerging forward Jalen Johnson rather than embarking on a full rebuild. Young is having an All-Star-caliber season, averaging 23.3 points and leading the league in assists, though he shares a high turnover rate with Detroit’s Cade Cunningham (4.5 per game).

The Hawks may be shorthanded, with rookie Zaccharie Risacher sidelined due to injury and Johnson listed as questionable with a shoulder issue. Johnson’s absence would be a significant blow, as he averages 19.4 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 5.2 assists while providing elite defense. If he plays, Pistons rookie Ausar Thompson is expected to draw the assignment of guarding him.

Detroit’s Jalen Duren is coming off a standout performance against the Rockets, where he outplayed Alperen Sengun. Duren’s defensive prowess will be tested against Atlanta’s Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu, though neither poses the same perimeter threat as Sengun.

The Pistons’ recent success has been fueled by Cunningham, who is also making a strong case for All-Star consideration. However, Detroit’s supporting cast pales in comparison to Atlanta’s, particularly if Johnson is available. The Hawks also boast Dyson Daniels, the league leader in steals, who could pose problems for Cunningham.

This game could hinge on which star—Cunningham or Young—rises to the occasion. With playoff implications on the line, both teams will look to make a statement in what promises to be a thrilling contest.