Detroit Pistons vs Atlanta Hawks Prediction and Betting Tips- Nov. 18 | 2025-26 NBA Season

The Detroit Pistons head to State Farm Arena on Tuesday to take on the Atlanta Hawks in their first matchup of the season. Both teams enter the game looking to extend winning streaks as two of the hottest teams in the East go head-to-head.

The contest opens a five-game road trip for the Pistons, while the Hawks return to Atlanta after a four-game swing out West. The Hawks should also be the fresher side, with Detroit on the second night of a back-to-back and Atlanta coming in with a full day of rest.

Detroit Pistons vs. Atlanta Hawks Preview, Odds, Betting Tips and Prediction

Moneyline: Pistons, -115, Hawks -105

Spread: Pistons -1.5 (EVEN), Hawks +1.5 (-120)

Total over/under (o/u): Pistons o227.5 (-110), Hawks u227.5 (-110)

*Editor's note: Odds are subject to change closer to tipoff*

Detroit Pistons vs. Atlanta Hawks preview

The Detroit Pistons enter the matchup as the league’s hottest team. They’re riding a 10-game winning streak and haven’t dropped a game since late October. Their latest victory came against the Indiana Pacers, as they took down the reigning Eastern Conference champions 127-112 at home.

The team’s surge has been fueled by its defensive strength, with the Pistons owning the league’s fourth-best defense and allowing just 112.1 points per game. Their success has also come from playing as a cohesive, well-connected unit.

Cade Cunningham has led the way with 27.5 points and 9.9 rebounds per game, while Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson have delivered strong two-way support. With six players averaging double figures, the Pistons’ balance and cohesion have been key to their run.

On the other hand, the Atlanta Hawks are on a roll of their own. Riding a five-game winning streak, the second-longest in the East, they come into the matchup with confidence after edging the Phoenix Suns 124-122 on the road.

Similar to Detroit, Atlanta’s success has been anchored by its defense while also generating quality looks on offense. The Hawks lead the league in chances created, with 30.4 apg and are holding opponents to just 114.0 ppg.

The Hawks are a well-oiled unit as well and haven’t relied on any one player, especially with Trae Young sidelined. Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels have been the two standouts, helping fuel the team’s strong run.

However, both teams will be shorthanded for this matchup. The Pistons could again be without Cade Cunningham and Ausar Thompson after both missed their last game, while Tobias Harris, Jaden Ivey, Marcus Sasser and Bobi Klintman are all out.

The Hawks will continue to be without Trae Young, while Kristaps Porzingis, Zaccharie Risacher, Onyeka Okongwu and Eli John N'Diyae are all listed as questionable.

Detroit Pistons vs. Atlanta Hawks predicted starting fives

Detroit Pistons predicted starting five

PG- Daniss Jenkins, SG- Duncan Robinson, SF- Javonte Green, PF- Jalen Duren, C- Isaiah Stewart

Atlanta Hawks predicted starting five

PG- Dyson Daniels, SG- Nickeil Alexander-Walker, SF- Vit Krejci, PF- Jalen Johnson, C- Mouhamed Gueye

Detroit Pistons vs. Atlanta Hawks betting tips

Jalen Duren is expected to score over 20.5 points after his 31-point outing against the Pacers. He is averaging 20.3 ppg.

Jalen Johnson is expected to score over 20.5 points against the Pistons. He is averaging 21.7 ppg.

Jalen Johnson is also projected to collect over 8.5 rebounds. He is averaging 9.5 rebounds per game.

Detroit Pistons vs. Atlanta Hawks prediction

The Pistons enter as narrow -1.5 favorites, but Atlanta’s strong momentum and home-court edge keep this matchup tight. With Detroit missing key players and the Hawks fresh off ending the Suns’ unbeaten run, another upset is very much in play.

Prediction: Hawks to win by five points or less