Atlanta (40-30, 31-39 ATS) has won three of its past five games. That’s hardly remarkable, but it’s a major improvement after a recent 0-4 run. The Hawks have also shown a little more life against the NBA odds, going 3-2 in their past five outings. Atlanta won and covered 104-96 against the Detroit Pistons on Sunday.

But the recent upswing hasn’t necessarily resulted in a sunny disposition. The team called a players-only meeting before the Detroit game, which followed up back-to-back blowout losses (102-87 to the Nuggets and 106-85 to the Heat). Obviously the pep talk had some sort of impact, but bettors shouldn’t read too much into it since the Pistons are so awful; it’s very likely this Hawks team remains somewhat dysfunctional.

Joe Johnson showed signs of life against Detroit after a recent slump. He made seven of his 13 field goal attempts and finished with 17 points, eight assists and four rebounds. Johnson had been held to 16 points or fewer in six of his last seven games, so seeing some energy out there was a relief. Perhaps Jamal Crawford will catch some of it; Crawford has scored just 26 points in his last four games combined.

The Bulls have shaken off numerous injuries and ridden an air-tight defense to a pile of wins lately. Holding opponents to less than 90 points is becoming a very common occurrence in Chicago.

The Hawks have controlled the head-to-head series, though, going 8-2 (7-3 ATS) in their past 10 games against the Bulls.

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