As the NBA regular season winds down, the Atlanta Hawks and Portland Trail Blazers are set to clash at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. This matchup features two teams with contrasting fortunes as they vie for playoff positioning, with the Hawks holding a record of 36-38 while the Trail Blazers sit at 32-43.
The Hawks are coming off a decisive victory against the Milwaukee Bucks, where they secured a 145-124 win on Sunday, March 30. Zaccharie Risacher led the charge for Atlanta, scoring an impressive 36 points. This performance has bolstered the Hawks' confidence as they look to improve their playoff chances.
On the other hand, the Trail Blazers are struggling, having lost their last game to the New York Knicks, 110-93, also on March 30. Deni Avdija was the standout performer for Portland, contributing 33 points, but it wasn't enough to turn the tide for his team. The Blazers are currently on a four-game losing streak, following a brief four-game winning stretch earlier in the season.
In terms of injuries, the Hawks have a significant list, with seven players currently affected. Jalen Johnson, Clint Capela, and Larry Nance Jr. are all out for the season due to various injuries, including shoulder, hand, and knee issues, respectively. Meanwhile, Trae Young is listed as probable with an Achilles injury, which has raised concerns among fans about his availability for this crucial game. Jacob Toppin, Keaton Wallace, and Kobe Bufkin are also sidelined, dealing with calf and shoulder injuries.
The Trail Blazers are not faring much better, as they have six players on their injury report. Robert Williams III is out due to a knee injury, while Bryce McGowens is out for the season with a rib injury. Deandre Ayton is also out with a calf injury, and Scoot Henderson is currently in concussion protocol. Jerami Grant is listed as day-to-day with a knee injury, and Anfernee Simons is questionable due to a forearm injury.
Despite these setbacks, the Hawks have shown resilience, boasting a 7-3 record in their last ten home games. They have also performed well recently, going 4-2 over their last six contests and 9-4 in the past 13. On the flip side, the Trail Blazers have struggled on the road, holding a 12-25 record with a point differential of -4.
In their only meeting this season, the Trail Blazers edged out the Hawks with a narrow 114-110 victory back on November 17, 2024. This game serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of this matchup, and both teams will be eager to prove themselves once more.
The betting odds favor the Hawks, who are given a spread of -5.5 to -6.5, indicating confidence in their ability to secure a win at home. The total for the game is set at 238.5 points, suggesting expectations of a high-scoring affair.
As tip-off approaches at 7:30 p.m. ET, fans can catch the action on KATU, KUNP, and FDSSE. For those looking to stream the game, it will also be available on Fubo, though regional restrictions may apply.
With the playoffs looming, both teams are in desperate need of a win. The Hawks aim to solidify their position while the Trail Blazers look to break their losing streak. The stakes are high, and the intensity is sure to rise as these two teams clash in Atlanta.
In the lead-up to the game, expert predictions suggest a low-scoring contest, with many leaning toward the Under due to Portland's recent offensive struggles. Vaughn Dalzell of NBC Sports noted, "The Blazers need a win after four straight losses as the offense has declined each game from 116, 111, 107, to 93 points. The Hawks are in better form right now, but the number continues to come down in favor of Portland. I’d rather back the Under in another low-scoring contest between the teams than pick a side in a tossup on a -5.5 to -6.5."
As the game unfolds, fans will be watching closely to see if Trae Young can play a pivotal role in leading the Hawks to victory, or if the Trail Blazers can find their footing and snap their losing streak. With so much on the line, this matchup promises to deliver excitement and drama on the court.
