A Tough Home Loss

Atlanta had strung together five wins in their past six entering Saturday’s battle. Then, they lost by eight to a shorthanded Heat team playing for a second straight night. Trae Young had 27 points and 11 assists, but that wasn’t enough to save the Hawks from their lowest-scoring game yet. Of course, a lot of teams would kill for 109 points, but not an Atlanta squad that’s sixth in offensive rating. The NBA’s fourth-best offensive rebounding percentage and free throw percentage carry the team forward. Atlanta’s turnover percentage and shooting splits aren’t spectacular but they don’t bring the Hawks down. Six players are averaging double figures (two more above 9.5), a number that should increase.

Atlanta is only 5-4 because they allow the 23rd-most points per game. A turnover percentage that’s 10th in the league is one of their few defensive strengths. Meanwhile, they’re 18th in defensive rebounding percentage, 19th in forcing misses at the rim, and 18th at forcing misses on threes. They also struggle at forcing midrange shots, the least efficient attempts. Only three teams have faced a lower percentage of midrangers. Atlanta’s defense isn’t terrible, but they aren’t doing enough to win consistently.

Detroit’s Downward Spiral

The Pistons dropped their eighth straight contest on Sunday. Health has played a major part in their woes. Alec Burks is back but missed six games. Jalen Duren has missed three games and is questionable for this one. Monte Morris, Joe Harris, and Bojan Bogdanovic are all likely to miss this game. It’s no wonder that the Pistons are 23rd in points per game. There are three things Detroit does well offensively. Grab offensive boards (28.9%), hit three-pointers (36.5%), and knock down free throws (83.1%). Otherwise, this team is turning the ball over a ton and struggling to hit shots. Health will help, but that day isn’t here yet.

Defensively, Detroit is also struggling, despite forcing a lot of misses. They’re the second-best team at defending the rim and allow the second-fewest threes per game. However, the Pistons also allow the most free throws per game and don’t force many turnovers. Solid defensive rebounding at least limits most possessions to one stop. Still, allowing 119.0 points per game over their last eight carries as much blame for the skid as the offense does.