Technically, the Atlanta Hawks have lost three out of four games. However, Lloyd Pierce’s team lost those games by seven (to the Bulls in 4-OT), one and seven points, respectively, further illustrating that the team is playing competitive and entertaining basketball as the stretch run arrives. On Saturday evening, the Hawks will play host to another team operating in appealing fashion, as Kenny Atkinson and the Brooklyn Nets invade State Farm Arena.

Brooklyn has won two straight as they arrive and, like Atlanta, will be coming off a two-day rest period following a clash on Wednesday. Saturday’s contest marks the third (and final) match-up of the season between the two teams and, to this point, the Nets have the upper hand with a pair of double-digit victories in Brooklyn.

Still, the good folks in Las Vegas foresee a close-fought battle in this spot, with the Nets (who appear to be playoff-bound) entering play as 3.5-point favorites over the Hawks in Atlanta. Part of that perceived gap could be injury-related for the home team, as the Hawks will be without Omari Spellman, Miles Plumlee and Alex Poythress as a result of injury. Dewayne Dedmon also appears unlikely to play (officially listed as doubtful) and, if the team’s starting center is unable to go, Lloyd Pierce could turn to recent 10-day signing Tyler Zeller for depth in the frontcourt.

Stay tuned throughout the day for all the latest from State Farm Arena as the Hawks look to play spoiler against a team jockeying for playoff position.

Game Info

Game Date/Time: Saturday, March 9, 7:00 pm ET

Location: State Farm Arena

TV: Fox Sports Southeast

Radio: 92.9 The Game (Atlanta); Hawks Radio Network

Streaming: Fox Sports Go; NBA League Pass (out of market)