The Atlanta Hawks are in desperate need of a spark as they travel to Oklahoma City on December 29, 2025, for a daunting matchup against the surging Thunder. Coming off a six-game losing streak, Atlanta faces the NBA’s hottest team, the Oklahoma City Thunder, who boast a formidable 27-5 record and are fresh from a dominant win over the Philadelphia 76ers. Tip-off is set for 8:00 PM Eastern at Paycom Center, with the game airing live on FanDuel Sports Network Southeast and FanDuel Sports Network Oklahoma, and streaming available via NBA League Pass and Fubo.
The Hawks’ recent woes have been well-documented. Their latest heartbreak came in a 128-125 loss to the New York Knicks, a contest that saw Atlanta claw back from a double-digit deficit and briefly seize the lead in the final minute. In the end, it was late-game execution and clutch Knicks play that handed the Hawks their sixth straight defeat. Defensive lapses have plagued Atlanta throughout this stretch, as they’ve surrendered an eye-popping 131.8 points per game during the skid.
Making matters worse for Atlanta, they’ll be without two of their most important players tonight. Jalen Johnson, the team’s leading scorer at 23.7 points per game, is sidelined due to illness, while star guard Trae Young remains out with a right quadriceps contusion. Kristaps Porzingis (illness), N’Faly Dante (season-ending knee injury), and Eli John Ndiaye (season-ending shoulder injury) will also miss the contest. Depth will be tested, and the Hawks’ offense, which has shown flashes of brilliance, will need to find new ways to generate points against a disciplined Thunder defense.
Despite the adversity, Atlanta’s roster is not without firepower. Onyeka Okongwu has been a bright spot, pouring in 36 points in the loss to the Knicks, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker contributed 25 points off the bench. The Hawks’ offensive options remain deep, but defensive consistency has been elusive. As the losing streak began before Young’s absence, it’s clear that the issues run deeper than any one player’s injury.
On the other side, the Oklahoma City Thunder have been the talk of the league. After suffering two rare losses to the San Antonio Spurs, the Thunder rebounded in emphatic fashion, dismantling the 76ers 129-104. Chet Holmgren starred with 29 points, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 27, as Oklahoma City’s defense held Philadelphia to just 42% shooting. This return to form underscores the Thunder’s balance and depth, hallmarks of their season thus far.
The Thunder’s injury report isn’t spotless, but their depth has allowed them to weather absences. Jaylin Williams (heel), Isaiah Hartenstein (calf/soleus strain), Ousmane Dieng (calf), Nikola Topic (groin), Brooks Barnhizer (G League), Ajay Mitchell (lower leg, questionable), and Thomas Sorber (season-ending knee surgery) are all listed on the injury report. Even so, Oklahoma City’s starting lineup—anchored by Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort, Jalen Williams, and Holmgren—remains one of the league’s most dynamic units.
This game marks the second meeting between the Hawks and Thunder this season. Oklahoma City took the first matchup back on October 25, 2025, in convincing fashion. Now, with home-court advantage and momentum, the Thunder are heavy favorites once again. Oddsmakers have installed Oklahoma City as 15.5 to 17.5-point favorites, with the over/under hovering around 233 points—a nod to both teams’ offensive capabilities and Atlanta’s recent defensive struggles. The Thunder are a staggering -1400 on the moneyline, while Atlanta enters as +800 underdogs.
Statistically, the Thunder average 121.5 points per game, just 1.4 more than the Hawks surrender (120.1). Atlanta, for their part, averages 118.8 points per game, a robust figure that’s 11.5 points higher than the 107.3 points Oklahoma City allows. However, with Johnson and Young both sidelined, the Hawks’ ability to keep pace offensively will be put to a stern test.
Projected starting lineups reflect both teams’ injury woes. For Oklahoma City, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren are expected to feature prominently. Atlanta, meanwhile, will likely lean on Onyeka Okongwu, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels, Zaccharie Risacher, and others to shoulder the scoring load. The absence of Johnson, who also leads the team in rebounds (10.4) and assists (8.4), leaves a gaping hole in Atlanta’s lineup and playmaking.
Predictions from analysts and oddsmakers paint a challenging picture for Atlanta. Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman forecasts a 122-99 Thunder victory, citing Atlanta’s short-handed roster and defensive frailties. Other outlets predict similar outcomes, with most expecting Oklahoma City to win by double digits. “The Hawks will also be without Jalen Johnson, who leads the team in points per game (23.7), rebounds per game (10.4) and assists per game (8.4). Trae Young and Kristaps Porzingis are out as well. It’ll be a very short-handed Atlanta team, and I don’t see it having enough firepower to keep up with OKC,” wrote Martinez.
For fans hoping to catch the action, multiple viewing options are available. The game will be televised on FanDuel Sports Network Southeast and FanDuel Sports Network Oklahoma. Out-of-market fans can stream the game on NBA League Pass via Amazon Prime Video, with a free seven-day trial available. Fubo also offers a live stream, and those wishing to attend in person can find tickets through StubHub.
In terms of recent form, Oklahoma City’s bounce-back win over Philadelphia showcased their ability to regroup quickly. Holmgren and Gilgeous-Alexander’s performances were particularly noteworthy, reaffirming their status as one of the league’s most potent duos. For Atlanta, Okongwu’s double-double against New York (31 points, 14 rebounds) was a rare highlight in an otherwise tough stretch. The Hawks’ ability to stay competitive despite missing key contributors will be a storyline to watch as the game unfolds.
Looking ahead, the Thunder will continue their home stand with upcoming games against the Trail Blazers, Warriors, and Suns. For Atlanta, the focus remains on halting their skid and regaining some momentum as the season approaches its midpoint. With injuries mounting and defensive issues unresolved, the Hawks face an uphill battle in Oklahoma City.
As the teams prepare to tip off, all signs point to a challenging night for Atlanta. The Thunder’s mix of elite scoring, defensive discipline, and home-court advantage make them clear favorites. Still, the NBA is never short on surprises, and the Hawks’ young roster will be eager to prove the doubters wrong. With both teams missing key pieces but Oklahoma City’s depth shining through, fans can expect an energetic contest at Paycom Center. The outcome is still to be decided, but the Thunder’s edge in form and health gives them every reason to be confident as the action gets underway.
