There’s a lot going on around the Atlanta Hawks these days, with Giannis Antetokounmpo rumors swirling and Trae Young still out, and we’ll learn more about their young core tonight as they visit the Detroit Pistons.
At 19-5, Detroit sits in the top spot in the East and won the first two matchups between these teams this year, but my Hawks vs. Pistons predictions expect Jalen Johnson to keep Atlanta close here.
Read on for my free NBA picks ahead of this clash on Friday, December 12.
Hawks vs Pistons prediction
Hawks vs Pistons best bet: Jalen Johnson Over 34.5 points + rebounds (-120)
Trae Young’s knee injury is giving the Atlanta Hawks a preview of what this roster would look like longer term without its highest-profile player, and Jalen Johnson is one of the centerpieces for any future version of this Atlanta squad.
Johnson has put together All-Star numbers this year, and I’m wagering on his recent hot streak continuing against the Detroit Pistons tonight.
He’s blown past this combo O/U line in five straight games, including a 30-12-12 line in Saturday’s victory over the Washington Wizards, and there’ll be no shortage of scoring and rebounding opportunities as long as Young and Kristaps Porzingis are sidelined.
We’ve also seen Johnson cook against Detroit already this season, headlined by a 29-point, 13-rebound effort against Cade Cunningham and Co. on December 1.
His minutes are consistently reaching the high 30s as a result of the Hawks’ injury list, and the extra responsibility has impacted Johnson’s efficiency. He’s shooting 53% from the field, with a 40% mark from downtown, which is a big jump from his career average.
Atlanta will need another Swiss Army Knife night from Johnson to combat the numbers that Cunningham and Jalen Duren will produce, and I expect him to embrace that challenge on the road.
Hawks vs Pistons same-game parlay
As well as Detroit is playing, the hosts are just 1-7 ATS in their past eight contests, so I’ll take the points with an Atlanta squad that’s 10-5 SU on the road this season. Even without Trae Young, the Hawks have poured in 130+ points in their last two outings, and Dyson Daniels can make Cunningham work for his baskets.
Ausar Thompson is developing nicely as a two-way contributor in the Pistons’ surge, and his battle with Johnson may decide this matchup. This Over requires Thompson to match his season average, and he’s grabbed 6+ boards in six of his past seven games.
Hawks vs Pistons SGP
- Jalen Johnson Over 34.5 points + rebounds
- Hawks +7.5
- Ausar Thompson Over 5.5 rebounds
Our "from downtown" SGP: Hawks Cover!
With Duren roaming around the rim, I don’t expect Onyeka Okongwu to walk into many easy buckets here, so his points prop Under feels like decent value.
Okongwu has fallen short of this number in three of his last five games, and foul trouble could be an issue if he gets switched onto Cade.
Hawks vs Pistons SGP
- Jalen Johnson Over 34.5 points + rebounds
- Hawks +7.5
- Ausar Thompson Over 5.5 rebounds
- Onyeka Okongwu Under 16.5 points
Hawks vs Pistons odds
- Spread: Hawks +6.5 (-110) | Pistons -6.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Hawks +195 | Pistons -240
- Over/Under: Over 232.5 (-110) | Under 232.5 (-110)
Hawks vs Pistons betting trend to know
The Hawks are 5-1 ATS in their last six contests. Find more NBA betting trends for Hawks vs. Pistons.
How to watch Hawks vs Pistons
| Location | Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI |
| Date | Friday, December 12, 2025 |
| Tip-off | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | FDSN-Southeast Atlanta, FDSN-Detroit |
Hawks vs Pistons latest injuries
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