NBA Game Preview: Washington Wizards (16-40) vs. Atlanta Hawks (28-31)

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Venue Location

The game will be played at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. This is the home arena for the Atlanta Hawks, with a seating capacity of approximately 16,888 for basketball games. The court is known for its vibrant atmosphere and has hosted numerous high-stakes NBA matchups.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET (4:30 PM PT / 12:30 AM UTC on February 25). The game will be broadcast on regional networks like BSSE and MNMT, with streaming options available on NBA League Pass.

Injury Report

  • Washington Wizards: Justin Champagnie (SF) is out with a right knee injury (tendinopathy). Tristan Vukcevic (F) is out with a right hand contusion. Alex Sarr (C) is out with a right hamstring strain. Kyshawn George (SG) is questionable with a left big toe sprain. The Wizards’ frontcourt depth is tested, potentially increasing minutes for players like Anthony Gill and Bub Carrington.
  • Atlanta Hawks: Trae Young (PG) is out with a right knee MCL sprain and quadriceps contusion. Jonathan Kuminga (PF) is out with a left knee bone bruise. The Hawks’ backcourt and forward rotations are impacted, likely relying more on Dyson Daniels and Jalen Johnson for scoring and playmaking.

Key

Player Matchups

With both teams dealing with injuries, this Eastern Conference clash will hinge on secondary stars stepping up. The Hawks’ home advantage and defensive edge could exploit the Wizards’ road struggles.

  • Bilal Coulibaly (WAS Guard/Forward) vs. Dyson Daniels (ATL Guard): Coulibaly, averaging 14.5 PPG recently, brings athleticism and defense (recent highs of 17 points). His versatility tests Daniels, who has been key in Young’s absence with 8 assists in recent games. Coulibaly’s rebounding (8+ in losses) could challenge Atlanta’s perimeter defense.
  • Jaden Hardy (WAS Guard) vs. Zaccharie Risacher (ATL Forward): Hardy (16 points off the bench in recent loss) provides scoring punch for Washington. Risacher, a rookie standout, counters with size and shooting (recent 4 points but defensive impact). Hardy’s quickness may force mismatches if Risacher switches.
  • Bub Carrington (WAS Guard) vs. Jalen Johnson (ATL Forward): Carrington’s playmaking (7 assists in win) faces Johnson’s all-around game (26 points, 12 rebounds in recent win). Johnson’s athleticism (double-doubles frequent) could dominate rebounds against Washington’s thin frontcourt.
  • Anthony Gill (WAS Forward) vs. Onyeka Okongwu (ATL Center): With Sarr out, Gill steps up (13 points, 8 rebounds recently). Okongwu’s rim protection and rebounding (solid bench role) will test Gill’s interior scoring.

Recent Team Forms

  • Washington Wizards: W L W W L (Last 5: Loss 112-129 vs. Charlotte on 2/22; Win 131-118 vs. Indiana on 2/20; Win 112-105 vs. Indiana on 2/19; Loss 113-138 at Cleveland on 2/11; Loss 101-132 vs. Miami on 2/8). The Wizards snapped a skid with back-to-back wins over Indiana but have defensive issues, allowing 126.4 PPG over the last five while scoring 117.8 PPG.
  • Atlanta Hawks: W L W L L (Last 5: Win 115-104 vs. Brooklyn on 2/22; Loss 97-128 vs. Miami on 2/20; Win 117-107 at Philadelphia on 2/19; Loss 107-110 at Charlotte on 2/11; Loss 116-138 at Minnesota on 2/9). The Hawks have been inconsistent, scoring 110.4 PPG but allowing 117.4 PPG recently, with strong wins over playoff teams like Philadelphia.

Series History

The Atlanta Hawks lead the all-time regular-season series 171-155 in 326 games. In playoffs, the teams are even at 4-4 series wins. This season, the Hawks have dominated, winning 4 of the last 5 meetings: 131-116 on 12/6/25, 132-113 on 11/25/25, 125-111 on 2/8/25, 129-117 on 11/15/24, with Washington’s lone win 133-120 on 10/30/24. Atlanta is 4-1 ATS in those games.

Betting Trends

Atlanta is 2-3 in their last 5 games and 2-3 ATS, but 18-14 ATS at home. Over has hit in 1 of their last 5, but 11 of 27 home games. Washington is 2-3 in their last 5 and 3-2 ATS as underdogs. Under is 3-2 in their last 5 road games. Head-to-head: Hawks are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings; over has gone 4-1.

Game Odds

Washington Wizards      237.5

Atlanta Hawks                   – 12.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, February 23, 2026