After two days off, the Atlanta Hawks are back in action today against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the preseason favorite to win the Eastern Conference. The Hawks

Atlanta eliminated Cleveland from the in-season tournament, meaning neither team advances to the quarterfinal round.

The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 130-123 on Friday night, with Nickeil Alexander-Walker leading the way with 15 points in the first half and Jalen Johnson securing the win with a triple-double.

Atlanta Hawks look like they don't need Trae Young originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The Atlanta Hawks were already going to have to make a decision on Trae Young.

In a post on X by Evan Sidery, he provided the numbers of how well the Atlanta Hawks is performing without Trae Young.

Despite a strong road record, the Atlanta Hawks struggle at home with a 3-4 record. Jalen Johnson and Nickeil Alexander-Walker shine in a recent victory.

Yet, the elephant in the room is that the Hawks are winning without Trae Young, playing a defense-first brand of basketball that does not appear to play to the four-time All-Star’s strengths. So… are they better off without him?

Recent reports indicate that the Atlanta Hawks will shop Kristaps Porzingis’ expiring contract, as rival executives predict a major move.

Jalen Johnson has been making plays at a high level for the Hawks, and he did so again with 12 assists against the Cavs.