Atlanta Hawks Game Preview: Jan. 18 Detroit Pistons

Prediction

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is not the only Piston fighting through an injury. Aron Baynes and Andre’ Drummond have been dealing with a knee issues, but both are expected to play. Jon Leuer has been dealing with a bone bruise on his right knee and his status is uncertain for Wednesday night.

That’s quite an injury report. Losing Caldwell-Pope and Leuer would hurt Detroit’s depth and their outside shooting.  If Drummond and Baynes are slowed by their knee problems the Hawks could dominate the glass.

Injuries are the last thing the Pistons need right now. This team just can’t catch a break.

Daily Fantasy Basketball Projections by numberFire

Despite the uncertainty surrounding their injuries and their recent swoon, numberFire’s projections give Detroit a 54.21 percent chance to win. Is that a home-court bump? Are the robots not looking at recent trends? Am I a Luddite if I disagree wholeheartedly with this projection? Don’t answer any of those questions.

I’ll take the Hawks in this one. I think their defense will overpower Detroit, and Atlanta will win in a close, relatively low scoring contest.

Next: Hawks Trade Mo Williams, To Sign Gary Neal

Prediction: Atlanta Hawks 96 Detroit Pistons 90