ATLANTA – The Cavs look to bounce back in the second leg of a home-and-away series against the Hawks. Friday’s matinee begins at 2:30 p.m. at State Farm Arena.

Cleveland, which still has one of the best records in the NBA, saw its 10-game home winning streak end with a 135-124 loss to Atlanta on Wednesday.

While Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley delivered standout performances, the Cavaliers’ defensive weaknesses and transition issues were exposed. Trae Young orchestrated Atlanta’s offense with surgical precision, scoring 20 points and an incredible 22 assists, while De’Andre Hunter torched Cleveland with 26 points off the bench.

Additionally, Friday’s game is also Cleveland’s third NBA Cup group game contest in East Group C, which is shaping up to be a close race.

Chicago, Atlanta and Boston are all tied at 2-1, while the Cavs are 1-1 and a half game behind. Cleveland has a plus-15 point lead and is top of the group, which could be crucial if a tiebreaker is needed to determine the group winner.

With the Hawks at the top of the group based on their head-to-head results and Chicago close behind after their win over Atlanta, the Cavs have a unique opportunity to eliminate Atlanta while boosting their own chances of advancing to the knockout rounds to improve.

For the Cavs, Friday is also a chance to redefine their defensive identity. Head coach Kenny Atkinson has emphasized the need for sharper communication and increased physicality, particularly in transition defense – areas that will be tested again by the Hawks’ fast-paced offense. As injuries continue to erode Cleveland’s depth, the focus will continue to be on their core four, solidifying both ends of the court.