The Atlanta Hawks and Brooklyn Nets are set to face off in an Eastern Conference matchup on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET, and the game will be broadcast on YES Network and NBA League Pass. This game marks the final meeting of the season between these two teams, with the season series currently tied at 1-1.
Team Overview
Atlanta Hawks (37-42): The Hawks are currently in eighth place in the Eastern Conference standings and are fighting to secure their spot in the play-in tournament. Despite a recent 119-112 loss to the Orlando Magic, Atlanta has shown flashes of brilliance, led by their All-Star guard Trae Young. The Hawks will look to bounce back and build momentum heading into the postseason.
Brooklyn Nets (26-53): The Nets are out of playoff contention and are focused on evaluating their young talent as they close out the season. Brooklyn is coming off a morale-boosting 119-114 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, where Trendon Watford and Drew Timme delivered standout performances. With just two games remaining in their season, the Nets will aim to finish strong in front of their home crowd.
Key Storylines
Playoff Implications for Atlanta: The Hawks are in a must-win situation as they aim to solidify their position in the play-in tournament. A victory would provide a confidence boost and help them maintain their edge over other teams vying for the final playoff spots.
Brooklyn’s Youth Movement: With their focus on development, the Nets will rely on their young core, including Trendon Watford, Dariq Whitehead, and Tyson Etienne, to step up and gain valuable experience.
Trae Young’s Leadership: Young has been the driving force for Atlanta, averaging 24.1 points and 11.6 assists per game. His ability to control the tempo and create opportunities for his teammates will be crucial against Brooklyn’s defense.
Key Players to Watch
Atlanta Hawks:
Trae Young: The All-Star guard is the centerpiece of Atlanta’s offense and will look to exploit Brooklyn’s defensive weaknesses.
Onyeka Okongwu: Okongwu has been a force in the paint, averaging 17.3 points and 9.8 rebounds over the last 10 games. His interior presence could be a game-changer.
Zaccharie Risacher: The rookie forward has shown promise and will be a key contributor on both ends of the floor.
Brooklyn Nets:
Trendon Watford: Watford is coming off a stellar performance against New Orleans, where he scored 22 points on 8-of-9 shooting. His versatility will be vital for Brooklyn.
Nic Claxton: Claxton’s shot-blocking and rebounding will be critical in containing Atlanta’s frontcourt.
Reece Beekman: The young guard will take on a larger role in facilitating Brooklyn’s offense with several key players sidelined.
Injury Report
Atlanta Hawks:
OUT: Kobe Bufkin (shoulder), Clint Capela (finger), Jalen Johnson (shoulder), Larry Nance Jr. (knee), Jacob Toppin (calf).
PROBABLE: Trae Young (Achilles).
Brooklyn Nets:
OUT: Noah Clowney (ankle), Cam Thomas (hamstring), De’Anthony Melton (ACL), D’Angelo Russell (ankle).
DAY-TO-DAY: Day’Ron Sharpe (knee), Cameron Johnson (back).
