Little Caesars Arena hosts a clash of two rising stars. The Pistons, leaders of the East, are undisputed leaders, while Atlanta seems to be struggling to finally take off or remain stuck in the play-in tournament. But there’s no better way to solidify their status as a team to watch than by taking down the best team in the conference so far this regular season.

Date and time of Pistons vs Hawks

DateDecember 12st, early morning of the 13nd according to the European time zone.

TimeThese are the start times for Pistons vs Hawks based on your time zone.

Spain (peninsular), France and Italy01:00Dominican Republic, USA (Boston, New York and Miami), Puerto Rico and Venezuela19:00Mexico (central), El Salvador, Costa Rica and Nicaragua17:00Mexico (Pacific) and USA (Los Angeles)16:00Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay20:00Colombia, Ecuador, USA (Chicago and Texas), Peru and Panama18:00

Headquarters: Little Caesars Arena (Detroit Michigan)

Pistons vs Hawks Starting Fives

Atlanta is still waiting for the return of key players like Trae Young and Kristaps Porzingis, so they’re expected to field the same starting five as last week. Detroit, meanwhile, has Tobias Harris questionable after he missed the previous game with an ankle injury.

pistonsHawksCade cunninghamNickeil Alexander-WalkerDuncan robinsonDyson DanielsAusar ThompsonZaccharie RisacherIsaiah stewartJalen johnsonJalen DurenOnyeka Okongu

Pistons vs Hawks: best bet

The Pistons have slowed their winning streak somewhat, but they remain the favorites against a Hawks team that has had mixed results in recent weeks. As leaders of the East, they have a better chance of taking the victory.

Pistons Breaking News: Injuries and Form

Detroit is looking to regain its unstoppable winning streak after a few shaky games recently. After winning 13 straight, the Michigan team suffered a brief setback with two losses to Boston and Orlando, followed by a defeat to a Bucks team without Giannis Antetokounmpo that slightly dampened their momentum. But there are still plenty of reasons for optimism. And they intend to prove it tonight.

The Knicks are increasingly establishing themselves as a dangerous contender for the top seed in the conference, but the Pistons have shown they have more than enough to hold onto it. Their excellent defense and the development of many of their young players have made them one of the sensations of this early part of the season, qualities that have been amplified by the leadership of an increasingly mature Cunningham.

Player to watch: Cade Cunningham

Last year he made the All-NBA team, but the point guard hasn’t stopped improving. With career-best numbers in almost every statistical category, he’s taking full advantage of being surrounded by the best team ever to showcase his talent and lead the Pistons to the top—a team that was expected to deliver, but not this much. And now that they’ve established themselves as one of the most powerful teams in the East, it’s his responsibility to maintain that status until the end of the season.

Hawks latest: injuries and form

Just when it seemed like they were finally going to look towards the top of the standings and stop being a regular in the play-in tournament, the Hawks have been brought back down to earth. Three consecutive losses, two of them by a single point, have stalled Snyder’s team and dropped them to ninth place, but in an Eastern Conference so tightly contested in the middle of the pack, this has an easy solution. A couple of wins and they’ll be back up there. And they certainly have the reasons to believe in them.

Atlanta began to establish itself last year as a team with the potential to dominate physically, and this season that identity has only become more pronounced. With Trae Young sidelined for over a month, they’ve formed a tough defensive unit, capable of playing at a fast pace and, despite recent losses, very difficult to break down. This unit may have even found a new number one pick.

Player to watch: Jalen Johnson

The power forward has truly blossomed, and his incredible performance during this stretch without Trae Young is starting to raise questions within the Hawks about who should lead the team going forward. His ability to put up numbers is overwhelming, and with him at the helm, the Georgia team can maximize their physical and athletic attributes to bring out their best. Are we witnessing a changing of the guard in Atlanta?

Pistons vs Hawks: Head-to-head history

Detroit has won both head-to-head matchups this season, as well as five of the last six. However, this positive trend is relatively new, as the Hawks previously dominated with seven consecutive wins between 2022 and 2024.

Predictions for Pistons vs Hawks

Less than 240 points. Both teams are capable of deploying very uncomfortable and aggressive defenses that can stifle their opponent. Therefore, a low-scoring match is expected.

Jalen Johnson’s triple-double. The power forward is on a hot streak, racking up numbers almost effortlessly. He’s recorded three triple-doubles in his last five games and could add another one to the list today.

Double-double of Duren. The center, for his part, is also going through his moment of greatest physical dominance, and every day he imposes himself more on his rivals in the paint both to score and to rebound.

Where to watch Pistons vs Hawks

The game between the Detroit Pistons and the Atlanta Hawks can be seen in Spain through the NBA League Pass subscription.