The NBA regular season delivers a cross-conference matchup on December 29, 2025, as the Atlanta Hawks travel to face the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Hawks, amid a six-game losing streak and plagued by injuries, seek to regain footing against a Thunder team that boasts one of the league’s best records and a dominant home presence. This contest highlights OKC’s balanced attack and elite defense against Atlanta’s inconsistent offense, potentially resulting in a lopsided affair unless the Hawks capitalize on any Thunder complacency.
Venue Location
The game will be held at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. This 18,203-capacity arena, opened in 2002, is located at 100 West Reno Avenue and is known for its modern design, including a massive LED scoreboard and premium seating. It’s easily accessible via downtown public transit and major highways, creating an electric atmosphere for high-stakes games.
Tipoff is set for 8:00 PM ET (7:00 PM CT for Oklahoma City viewers)
Broadcast: Available on FanDuel Sports Network Southeast for Hawks markets, FanDuel Sports Network Oklahoma for Thunder markets, and nationally via NBA League Pass.
Injury Report
Both teams are navigating absences that could influence rotations, particularly in the frontcourt and perimeter. Reports are as of December 28 evening; check for updates closer to tip-off.
Atlanta Hawks:
N’Faly Dante (C): Out (right knee ACL tear). He’s undergone season-ending surgery, depleting center depth.
Dyson Daniels (SG): Out (right knee soreness). He’s missed recent games and remains sidelined, impacting guard defense.
Kristaps Porzingis (PF/C): Out (illness). He’s nearing a return but will miss this game, a major blow to spacing and rim protection.
Mouhamed Gueye (PF): Out (right knee soreness). His absence further thins the frontcourt.
No other major injuries reported, though the Hawks have not fully submitted their final report.
Oklahoma City Thunder:
Ousmane Dieng (PF): Out (right calf strain). He’s missed recent action and remains sidelined, affecting bench forward options.
No additional key injuries reported, though the Thunder have not fully submitted their final report. Stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren are available.
These injuries could lead to increased minutes for backups, potentially resulting in a higher-scoring game if defenses struggle.
Player Matchups
This contest features intriguing battles between Atlanta’s guards and OKC’s versatile wings, with injuries shifting responsibilities. Key matchups to watch:
Trae Young (ATL PG) vs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC PG): Young’s playmaking (25+ PPG, 10+ APG) against SGA’s scoring efficiency (30+ PPG). SGA’s size could challenge Young’s drives, but Young’s quickness may create open looks.
Jalen Johnson (ATL PF) vs. Chet Holmgren (OKC C): Johnson’s athleticism and rebounding vs. Holmgren’s rim protection and shooting. Without Porzingis, Johnson must contain Holmgren’s spacing.
Zaccharie Risacher (ATL SF) vs. Luguentz Dort (OKC SF): Rookie Risacher’s potential against Dort’s tenacious defense. Dort could limit Risacher’s scoring, forcing Atlanta to adjust.
Onyeka Okongwu (ATL C) vs. Jalen Williams (OKC SF): Okongwu’s energy in the paint vs. Williams’ versatility. Mismatches here could spark transition opportunities for OKC.
The Thunder’s defensive edge may overwhelm Atlanta’s depleted lineup, but Young’s heroics could keep it close.
Recent Team Forms
Atlanta is in a slump, while OKC continues its dominance.
Atlanta Hawks (Last 5 Games):
| Date | Opponent | Result | Key Notes |
| Dec 27 | vs New York | L 125-128 | Close loss; defensive lapses in crunch time. |
| Dec 26 | vs Miami | L 111-126 | Struggled with turnovers; part of six-game skid. lastwordonsports.com |
| Dec 23 | at Indiana | L | Offensive woes continued. |
| Dec 21 | vs Memphis | L | Blowout setback. |
| Dec 14 | vs Atlanta | L | Extended losing streak to six. lastwordonsports.com |
Form: L-L-L-L-L (0-5 in last 5). The Hawks are on a six-game losing streak, with poor defense allowing 120+ points frequently.
Oklahoma City Thunder (Last 5 Games):
| Date | Opponent | Result | Key Notes |
| Dec 28 | at Toronto | L 81-96 | Rare low-scoring loss; offense stalled. |
| Dec 26 | vs Toronto | W 138-117 | Blowout win; strong offense overwhelmed Raptors. |
| Dec 23 | at Boston | W | Road victory; elite defense held Celtics under 110. |
| Dec 21 | vs San Antonio | W 124-113 | Balanced scoring; overcame strong opponent. |
| Dec 20 | at Memphis | W 130-122 | Rally in second half; McCollum contributed. |
Form: L-W-W-W-W (4-1 in last 5). The Thunder are 8-2 in their last 10, with a league-best home record.
Series History
Atlanta holds a 74-72 all-time edge over OKC (including Seattle SuperSonics era) in 146 regular-season meetings. The Hawks have won 3 of the last 5 games, but OKC claimed a 117-100 victory in their first meeting this season on October 25, 2025.
Recent Games:
October 25, 2025: Thunder 117-100 Hawks.
March 4, 2025: Thunder 102-115 Hawks (hypothetical earlier season).
OKC is 2-3 at home vs. Atlanta in the last 5. Games average 220 points, trending over in recent high-scoring affairs.
Betting Trends
Atlanta Hawks: 15-17 ATS overall; 7-9 ATS on the road. 2-3 ATS in last 5; under hits in 6 of last 10 during losing streaks.
Oklahoma City Thunder: 17-14 ATS; 7-8 ATS at home. 2-3 ATS in last 5; over hits in 5 of last 10 vs. Eastern teams.
Head-to-Head Trends: Hawks 3-2 ATS in last 5 vs. Thunder; games go over 230 in 3 of 5.
League-Wide: Heavy favorites like OKC are 65% ATS vs. sub-.500 teams in December 2025.
Game Odds
Atlanta Hawks 235.5
Oklahoma City Thunder – 16.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, December 28, 2025
