In Friday night's NBA schedule, two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference will meet in Atlanta. The Cavs vs. Hawks 2017 live stream and televised matchup will feature the East's No. 1 team against the No. 5 team in the NBA standings. After falling to the Boston Celtics by just four points days ago, LeBron James and company will look to bounce back with a road win to stay at the top. Atlanta will try to inch closer to that No. 4 spot for home-court advantage in the playoffs. The Cavs vs. Hawks live streaming and TV action comes via ESPN networks on Friday.
Cavs fall to Celtics
One of LeBron's newest teammates was part of the team's recent loss, as they fell 104-99 against the Celtics. Deron Williams debuted with four points, two rebounds, and two assists in 24 minutes on the court. The team is still awaiting big man Andrew Bogut to make his debut for Cleveland, and hoping for a successful and speedy recovery of All-Star Kevin Love for the playoffs.
With the loss, Boston moved to within a three-game margin of Cleveland for the Eastern Conference lead. The two teams have about 20 games left each before the postseason officially begins, but it could make for an interesting matchup if they meet in the playoffs. Cleveland will look to bounce back on the road tonight, although they're 14-12 when playing away this season.
Korver faces former team
In tonight's game, former Atlanta Hawks star Kyle Korver will make his return to play against his old team. Korver was traded away earlier this season to the competitors.
Former teammate Dwight Howard, who was recently ejected in a game against the Boston Celtics, said of Korver's return, "We just got to win.
On the floor, he's the enemy. So that's how we got to look at it," according to ESPN writer Dave McMenamin.
Atlanta is led by All-Star forward Paul Millsap who is averaging 17.8 points per game and 7.8 rebounds. Most recently he scored with just 30.5 seconds to go against the Dallas Mavericks to help the team gain a 100-95 win at home.
The Hawks are currently 34-26 on the season and now looking to add former Lakers point guard Jose Calderon to the roster ahead of a playoff run.
How to watch & game odds
Tonight's game is part of a doubleheader of NBA action which will be televised live on ESPN. Cable and satellite viewers can watch the Cavs vs. Hawks live streaming online by using the WatchESPN website or compatible mobile apps. In addition, SlingTV offers ESPN as part of its Sling Orange channel package and has a free one-week trial for any new customers who sign up to try out the channel streaming service.
In terms of game odds, the visiting Cavaliers are three-point favorites at Atlanta with a money line price of -150. The Hawks are +130 underdogs but have been 11-6 against the spread as dogs this season. Tonight's over/under points total is around 215 for the full game.