Cavaliers Edge Hawks in Tight Contest
Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Rocket Arena
Cleveland Cavaliers 122, Atlanta Hawks 116, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Atlanta Hawks vs Cleveland Cavaliers?
Cleveland Cavaliers beat Atlanta Hawks 122-116 at Rocket Arena on April 8, 2026.
Who was favored in Atlanta Hawks vs Cleveland Cavaliers?
Cleveland Cavaliers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -175 (about 64% implied). The favorite won.
In a closely contested matchup, the Cleveland Cavaliers secured a narrow victory over the Atlanta Hawks, finishing the game with a score of 122 to 116. This win marks the Cavaliers' third consecutive victory and improves their overall record to 51-29, while the Hawks fall to 45-35. The game took place at Rocket Arena, where the Cavaliers showcased their strong home performance, having won eight of their last ten games and currently riding a three-game winning streak.
Cleveland's recent form has been impressive, averaging 122.6 points scored and allowing 118.0 points over their last ten games. Their last five games have seen them maintain a record of 4-1, with an average of 122.4 points scored and 117.0 points allowed. Notably, in their last outing, they defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 142-126, demonstrating their offensive prowess.
On the other hand, the Hawks have also been performing well, with a record of 7-3 in their last ten games, although they are currently on a one-game losing streak after falling to the New York Knicks 105-108. Atlanta's scoring average over their last ten games stands at 121.0 points, with an average of 110.3 points allowed. In their last five games, they have managed to score an average of 122.2 points while allowing just 106.2 points.
Historically, this matchup has leaned slightly in favor of the Cavaliers, who now lead the season series 2-1. In their previous meetings this season, the Cavaliers won 117-109 at home and 137-115 in January, while the Hawks claimed a 130-123 victory during their last encounter in November. This ongoing rivalry has produced competitive games, with both teams showcasing their strengths.
In terms of injuries, the Hawks are dealing with several key players listed as day-to-day, including Mouhamed Gueye (foot), Keshon Gilbert (hip), and RayJ Dennis (Achilles). Their availability could significantly impact the Hawks' performance in future games, especially as they look to bounce back from this loss.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Cavaliers favored by 4.5 points, with a total set at 237.5. The odds reflected the Cavaliers' strong home record and recent form, while the Hawks were seen as capable challengers despite their injury concerns.
As the game unfolded, the Cavaliers demonstrated their ability to close out tight contests. Key moments in the fourth quarter included crucial free throws by Donovan Mitchell, who contributed significantly to the final score. The scoring plays highlighted a back-and-forth battle, with both teams exchanging leads and showcasing their offensive talents.
Overall, this matchup highlighted the competitive nature of the NBA, with both teams displaying their capabilities. The Cavaliers' ability to secure a win at home against a strong Hawks team adds to their momentum as they head into the latter part of the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | CLE -4.5 | 237.5 o -105 / u -115 | Atlanta Hawks +145 · Cleveland Cavaliers -175 |
Injury report
- Mouhamed GueyeDay-To-DayFootAtlanta Hawks
- Keshon GilbertDay-To-DayHipAtlanta Hawks
- RayJ DennisDay-To-DayAchillesAtlanta Hawks
Leaders
- PointsDonovan Mitchell31Cleveland Cavaliers
- AssistsDonovan Mitchell4Cleveland Cavaliers
- ReboundsEvan Mobley19Cleveland Cavaliers
- PointsNickeil Alexander-Walker25Atlanta Hawks
- AssistsJalen Johnson6Atlanta Hawks
- ReboundsJalen Johnson11Atlanta Hawks
Recent form
Cleveland Cavaliers
Last 10: 8-2Streak W3122.6 scored · 118 allowed per game3-1 at home
- W142-126at Memphis GrizzliesApr 7
- W117-108vs Indiana PacersApr 5
- W118-111at Golden State WarriorsApr 3
- L113-127at Los Angeles LakersApr 1
- W122-113at Utah JazzMar 31
- W149-128vs Miami HeatMar 27
- L103-120vs Miami HeatMar 25
- W136-131vs Orlando MagicMar 25
- W111-106at New Orleans PelicansMar 21
- W115-110at Chicago BullsMar 20
Atlanta Hawks
Last 10: 7-3Streak L1121 scored · 110.3 allowed per game3-2 away
- L105-108vs New York KnicksApr 6
- W141-107at Brooklyn NetsApr 3
- W130-101at Orlando MagicApr 1
- W112-102vs Boston CelticsMar 30
- W123-113vs Sacramento KingsMar 28
- L102-109at Boston CelticsMar 27
- W130-129at Detroit PistonsMar 25
- W146-107vs Memphis GrizzliesMar 23
- W126-110vs Golden State WarriorsMar 22
- L95-117at Houston RocketsMar 21
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | - | 36 | L1 | .561 | 46 |
| Orlando | 1 | 37 | L1 | .549 | 45 |
| Charlotte | 2 | 38 | W1 | .537 | 44 |
| Miami | 3 | 39 | W2 | .524 | 43 |
| Washington | 29 | 65 | L10 | .207 | 17 |
| Detroit | - | 22 | W3 | .732 | 60 |
| Cleveland | 8 | 30 | W1 | .634 | 52 |
| Milwaukee | 28 | 50 | L1 | .390 | 32 |
| Chicago | 29 | 51 | L2 | .378 | 31 |
| Indiana | 41 | 63 | L2 | .232 | 19 |
Box score
| Stat | Atlanta Hawks | Cleveland Cavaliers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 47-98 | 41-88 |
| Field goal % | 48 | 47 |
| Three-pointers | 12-34 | 12-33 |
| Three-point % | 35 | 36 |
| Free throws | 10-15 | 28-35 |
| Free throw % | 67 | 80 |
| Rebounds | 43 | 47 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 10 |
| Defensive rebounds | 33 | 37 |
| Assists | 23 | 22 |
| Steals | 8 | 6 |
| Blocks | 6 | 6 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 11 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 25 | 13 |
| Fast-break points | 11 | 11 |
| Points in the paint | 50 | 52 |
| Fouls | 25 | 14 |
| Largest lead | 11 | 18 |
| Lead changes | 10 | 10 |
| Time in front | 18 | 77 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter82-89Onyeka Okongwu makes 3-foot driving floating jump shot
- 3rd Quarter82-91Evan Mobley makes 1-foot dunk (James Harden assists)
- 3rd Quarter83-91Gabe Vincent makes free throw 3 of 3
- 3rd Quarter83-94Sam Merrill makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 3rd Quarter86-94Jonathan Kuminga makes 29-foot three point jumper (Gabe Vincent assists)
- 3rd Quarter86-97Donovan Mitchell makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 3rd Quarter86-99Max Strus makes 1-foot layup (Evan Mobley assists)
- 3rd Quarter87-99Onyeka Okongwu makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter87-101Donovan Mitchell makes 1-foot two point shot
- 3rd Quarter87-104Max Strus makes 25-foot three point jumper (Donovan Mitchell assists)
- 4th Quarter87-105Evan Mobley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter90-105Jonathan Kuminga makes 22-foot three point jumper (Jalen Johnson assists)
- 4th Quarter92-105Nickeil Alexander-Walker makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter92-107Evan Mobley makes dunk
- 4th Quarter92-109Dennis Schroder makes 1-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter92-110Dennis Schroder makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter93-110Jalen Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter94-110Jalen Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter96-110Jalen Johnson makes tip in dunk
- 4th Quarter98-110CJ McCollum makes 14-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter100-110Jonathan Kuminga makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter100-112Jarrett Allen makes 1-foot driving dunk (Sam Merrill assists)
- 4th Quarter102-112CJ McCollum makes 20-foot pullup jump shot (Dyson Daniels assists)
- 4th Quarter104-112Nickeil Alexander-Walker makes 22-foot pullup jump shot (Dyson Daniels assists)
- 4th Quarter107-112Nickeil Alexander-Walker makes 26-foot three pointer (Jonathan Kuminga assists)
- 4th Quarter109-112Dyson Daniels makes 1-foot running dunk (CJ McCollum assists)
- 4th Quarter110-112Nickeil Alexander-Walker makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter110-113James Harden makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter110-114James Harden makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter112-114Nickeil Alexander-Walker makes driving layup (Dyson Daniels assists)
- 4th Quarter112-115James Harden makes free throw 1 of 3
- 4th Quarter112-116James Harden makes free throw 2 of 3
- 4th Quarter112-117James Harden makes free throw 3 of 3
- 4th Quarter112-118Evan Mobley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter114-118CJ McCollum makes 12-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter116-118Jonathan Kuminga makes dunk (Dyson Daniels assists)
- 4th Quarter116-119Donovan Mitchell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter116-120Donovan Mitchell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter116-121Donovan Mitchell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter116-122Donovan Mitchell makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Cleveland Cavaliers, below favours Atlanta Hawks.
Venue
- Rocket ArenaCleveland, OH
- Attendance19432
- OfficialsJames Capers, Jason Goldenberg, Jacyn Goble
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- Hawks Edge Cavaliers in Close ContestOct 29, 2026
- Hawks Dominate Cavaliers to Take Series LeadApr 10, 2026
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