Jeff Teague started at point guard despite an ankle sprain that limited him in Friday’s overtime win in Detroit. Teague played 17 minutes in the first half with 15 points, including three 3-pointers.

Joe Johnson, who entered Sunday 15th in the NBA in scoring at 19.1 points per game, has averaged 22 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists over the last nine games. The Hawks were 7-2 in those contests, all without Al Horford.

The Hornets are less predictable, according to Hawks coach Larry Drew, without All-Star point guard Chris Paul. “They are a different ball club,” Drew said of the Hornets after they traded Paul to the Clippers. “I think they are just as dangerous because with no Chris Paul you have five guys out on the floor and they all play together and they play hard. You don’t key in on one particular guy.”

- Chris Vivlamore

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Atlanta Hawks forward Mouhamed Gueye (18) is defended by Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson (9) while going to the basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

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Students line up after school for school buses at Sequoyah Middle School in Doraville on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025. The school’s principal told teachers not to talk to students about ICE, and teachers and activists are pushing back. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

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