The Brooklyn Nets (15-40) take on the Atlanta Hawks (27-31) in an Eastern Conference clash on Sunday, February 22, 2026. The Nets, mired in a rebuild and riding a three-game losing streak, face a Hawks team that’s inconsistent but holds a stronger position in the playoff race. Atlanta enters as a significant favorite, bolstered by home-court advantage and Brooklyn’s struggles on the road. Below is a detailed breakdown of the matchup, including key factors influencing the outcome.
Venue Location
State Farm Arena, Atlanta, Georgia.
This 16,888-capacity venue, home to the Hawks since 1999, features a passionate crowd and has been a tough spot for visitors, with Atlanta posting a 15-14 home record this season.
Tipoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET (12:30 p.m. PST).
The game will air on FDSSE (for Atlanta) and YES (for Brooklyn), with national streaming available on NBA League Pass.
Recent Team Forms
The Hawks are 2-3 in their last five, showing defensive vulnerabilities but offensive flashes. The Nets have dropped three straight, with poor scoring output. Here’s a summary of their last five games:
| Team | Date | Opponent | Result | Key Notes |
| BKN | Feb 20, 2026 | @ Oklahoma City Thunder | L 86-105 | Michael Porter Jr.: 20 pts; Struggled offensively. |
| BKN | Feb 19, 2026 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | L 84-112 | Cam Thomas: 18 pts; Defensive collapse. |
| BKN | Feb 11, 2026 | vs. Indiana Pacers | L 110-115 | Porter Jr.: 25 pts; Close but late turnovers. |
| BKN | Feb 9, 2026 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 123-115 | Thomas: 28 pts; Strong home win. |
| BKN | Feb 5, 2026 | @ Orlando Magic | L 98-118 | Egor Dëmin: 26 pts; Overpowered inside. |
| ATL | Feb 20, 2026 | vs. Miami Heat | L 97-128 | Nickeil Alexander-Walker: 20 pts; Blown out at home. |
| ATL | Feb 19, 2026 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | W 117-107 | Trae Young: 25 pts, 10 ast; Solid road victory. |
| ATL | Feb 11, 2026 | @ Charlotte Hornets | L 107-110 | Jalen Johnson: 22 pts; Late-game miscues. |
| ATL | Feb 9, 2026 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | L 116-138 | Young: 28 pts; Defensive struggles. |
| ATL | Feb 7, 2026 | vs. Charlotte Hornets | L 119-126 | Dyson Daniels: 18 pts; High-scoring loss. |
Brooklyn is 2-8 in their last 10, averaging under 100 points in recent losses.
Atlanta is 4-6 in their last 10, with the over hitting in 6 of those games due to porous defense.
Injury Report
Injuries tilt toward Atlanta, but Brooklyn’s depth issues persist with G League absences.
- Brooklyn Nets:
- Out: Tyson Etienne (G League – Two-Way).
- Out: Chaney Johnson (G League – Two-Way).
- Out: E.J. Liddell (G League – Two-Way).
- Out: Josh Minott (G League – On Assignment).
- Out: Ben Saraf (G League – On Assignment).
- Out: Ziaire Williams (Personal Reasons).
- Key players like Cam Thomas and Michael Porter Jr. are available, but the Nets lack bench depth.
- Atlanta Hawks:
- Doubtful: RayJ Dennis (G League – Two-Way).
- Doubtful: Caleb Houstan (G League – On Assignment).
- Out: Jonathan Kuminga (Left Knee – Bone Bruise).
- Stars like Trae Young and Jalen Johnson are healthy, giving Atlanta a clear edge.
Key
Player Matchups
This game highlights Atlanta’s offensive firepower against Brooklyn’s young but inconsistent core:
- Trae Young (ATL) vs. Cam Thomas (BKN): Young (25 PPG, 10 APG) exploits mismatches with his playmaking; Thomas (25 PPG) needs a hot shooting night to keep pace.
- Jalen Johnson (ATL) vs. Michael Porter Jr. (BKN): Johnson (20 PPG, 9 RPG) brings athleticism inside; Porter Jr. (22 PPG) stretches the floor but struggles defensively.
- Dyson Daniels (ATL) vs. Ben Saraf (BKN): Daniels’ defense could limit Saraf, a rookie with potential but limited minutes.
- Other Notes: Onyeka Okongwu (ATL) dominates the paint without Nic Claxton at full strength for BKN; Nickeil Alexander-Walker (ATL) adds scoring depth.
Series History
The Hawks lead the all-time series 108-92 in regular-season games.
Atlanta has won four of the last five meetings, including a 117-112 victory on October 29, 2025.
Brooklyn’s last win came in a 133-109 blowout on April 10, 2025, but the Hawks hold a 26-24 edge in the last 50 contests.
Betting Trends
- Trends: Atlanta is 27-31 ATS overall but 3-2 ATS as 8.5+ point favorites.
Brooklyn is 25-30 ATS and 3-7 ATS in their last 10.
The over has hit in 29 of Atlanta’s 58 games (50%) and 6 of Brooklyn’s last 10.
Hawks are 12-13 ATS at home; Nets are 10-18 ATS on the road.
Game Odds
Brooklyn Nets 228.5
Atlanta Hawks – 10.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, February 21, 2026
