Preview: Struggling Nets Visit Hawks in Atlanta ATLANTA (Interstat) — The Atlanta Hawks, seeking consistency in their push for the Eastern Conference play-in tournament, will host the league-worst Brooklyn Nets on Sunday at State Farm Arena. The Hawks (27-30) enter the contest after a strong 117-107 road victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday. Forward Jalen Johnson powered that win with 32 points, 10 rebounds and five assists, continuing a remarkable stretch of all-around play. Over his last seven games, Johnson has averaged 25.9 points, 11.6 rebounds and 8.9 assists, recording five triple-doubles in that span. Brooklyn (15-39) arrives mired in a deep slump, having lost 10 of its last 12 games. The Nets are coming off an 84-112 road loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday. Guard Ochai Agbaji, a player to watch for Brooklyn, led the team with 13 points in that defeat. He is averaging 9.5 points over his last two outings. The Hawks won the first meeting this season, 117-112 in Brooklyn on Oct. 29. Atlanta’s offense, which has scored at least 117 points in four of its last five games, will be heavily favored against a Nets defense that has allowed an average of 114.2 points during its 2-10 slide. For Atlanta, guard C.J. McCollum, who added 23 points against Philadelphia, provides veteran backcourt scoring alongside Johnson’s dynamic playmaking. The Hawks have shown a high ceiling recently, including wins over Boston and Miami, but have struggled with defensive consistency. Brooklyn’s recent performances have been defined by offensive struggles, failing to reach 100 points in three of their last five games. Beyond Agbaji, production from rookies Danny Wolf and Egor Demin will be needed to supplement a limited attack. The game represents a critical opportunity for the Hawks to solidify their standing before a challenging stretch in early March, while the Nets look to find any momentum in a difficult season. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. EST Sunday.