Preview
Despite sitting at fourth within the Eastern Conference, the Atlanta Hawks are mired within the worst drama the staff has skilled within the post-Lloyd Pierce period.
Last night time, Shams Charania of The Athletic detailed a disagreement between coach Nate McMillan and Trae Young, which resulted within the guard lacking Friday night time’s sport in opposition to the Denver Nuggets. The article pointed to stress brewing inside the locker room over months earlier than erupting in early December.
A brief-handed Hawks squad defeated the Nuggets, and Young participated in follow yesterday. While a one-off win is spectacular, Atlanta wants Young on the ground and each participant on the identical web page.
Tonight’s sport in opposition to Oklahoma City will inform us extra about Atlanta than final Friday night time’s stunning win. Not as a result of the perpetually-rebuilding Thunder are an correct barometer of success, however reasonably it is a litmus check of McMillan’s affect within the locker room and Young’s management talents.
Keen observers will carefully watch all the pieces from the ball motion to the physique language displayed by Atlanta. Locker room kerfluffles occur on a regular basis within the NBA. However, that is uncharted waters for Atlanta through the McMillan period.
Injury Report
Oklahoma City’s damage report solely lists Chet Holmgren (foot) as out.
Atlanta’s damage report lists John Collins (left ankle sprain), Trent Forrest (concussion protocol), Justin Holiday (well being and security protocols), and De’Andre Hunter (proper hip flexor pressure) as out.
Odds
Spread: Hawks (-6.5)
Over/Under Point Total: 235.5
Money Line: Hawks (-225) Thunder (+188)
*Odds provided by SI Sportsbook
Television, Streaming, Radio
Location: State Farm Arena
Time: 7:30 p.m. EST
Radio: 92.9 FM The Game
Network: Bally Sports
Live Stream: Click here for fuboTV free trial!
Uniforms
The Atlanta Hawks will put on their Statement Edition uniforms (black). The Oklahoma City Thunder will put on their Icon Association uniforms (white).
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