Trail Blazers Welcome CJ McCollum, Atlanta Hawks Tonight

The Portland Trail Blazers will face the Atlanta Hawks tonight as they look to recover from a recent heavy defeat to the Golden State Warriors. This matchup marks the first of two encounters this season between the two teams. The Blazers haven’t faced a Hawks squad without star Trae Young in eight years.

Atlanta has made significant changes, including offseason acquisitions like Kristaps Porzingis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Luke Kennard. The Hawks, led by forward Jalen Johnson, aim to improve their playoff positioning and escape the perennial 7-10 seed struggle. Currently, they hold a record of 20-22 after 42 games. Injuries to both Young and Porzingis have hindered their performance this season.

Player Highlights

Jalen Johnson has emerged as a key player for the Hawks. Averaging 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists, he shoots effectively from the floor. His scoring prowess is complemented by one of the league’s top three-point shooting teams.

• Luke Kennard: Nearly 50% shooting from three on over three attempts per game.
• Vit Krejci: Over 43% three-point shooting, showcasing his skills after a year in Oklahoma City.
• Nickeil Alexander-Walker: Posting a career-high 20 points per game with 38% shooting from deep.

Despite their three-point shooting success, the Hawks rank 18th in overall offense and 16th in defensive rating. Their performance has not matched their talent, leading to speculation about ongoing struggles.

Trail Blazers Injury Report

The Blazers are dealing with multiple injuries. Key players like Deni Avdija, Scoot Henderson, Damian Lillard, Kris Murray, Matisse Thybulle, and Blake Wesley are sidelined. Jerami Grant has been upgraded to questionable after a lengthy absence due to an Achilles injury, which could significantly impact the Blazers’ lineup. Before his injury, Grant averaged 20 points per game with a 39% success rate from three-point range.

Matchup Preview

As the Blazers approach the game with a 19-22 record, they will need to focus on secondary playmakers to support Shaedon Sharpe, who has emerged as a scoring option. Increased minutes for Jrue Holiday may also help alleviate some of the offensive pressure.