ATLANTA — The Cleveland Cavaliers have little time to enjoy Wednesday night's comeback victory over Washington. Less than 24 hours after rallying from a 10-point halftime deficit, the Cavaliers are back on the floor Thursday night against the Atlanta Hawks.

Cleveland (3-1) has won three consecutive games since losing its season opener in Philadelphia. The latest came against the Wizards, when the Cavaliers overcame a 69-59 halftime deficit to win 121-111 behind a much better defensive effort in the second half.

The turnaround was encouraging, but Cleveland cannot afford another sluggish start against Atlanta. The Hawks (2-3) have lost three straight games, including Wednesday's 129-117 home defeat to Miami, but they have enough offensive talent to make the Cavaliers pay for another poor defensive half.

Jalen Johnson remains one of Atlanta's most dangerous players, providing scoring, rebounding, and playmaking from the forward position. Nickeil Alexander-Walker and CJ McCollum give the Hawks additional scoring options, while Dyson Daniels can create problems for opposing ballhandlers.

For Cleveland, Donovan Mitchell and James Harden will again be responsible for much of the offensive production. However, the Cavaliers have received valuable contributions from their supporting cast, including Peyton Watson, who scored 22 points against Washington.

Evan Mobley also played an important role in Wednesday's comeback, finishing with 24 points and 12 rebounds while making five of six three-point attempts. His outside shooting gives Cleveland another option when opponents focus on Mitchell and Harden.

The biggest concern Thursday is fatigue. Cleveland is playing its second game in as many nights and must travel to Atlanta after Wednesday's home victory. The Hawks are also playing on consecutive nights, although they have the advantage of remaining at home.

Cleveland will also need to improve its defensive consistency. The Cavaliers allowed Washington to score 69 points in the first half before holding the Wizards to just 42 after halftime. Against Atlanta, putting together four quarters of solid defense would go a long way toward extending the winning streak.

Nae'Qwan Tomlin is out with a back injury, while Khalifa Diop is listed as day-to-day with a knee issue. Atlanta will be without Mouhamed Gueye and Henri Veesaar.

Game Information

Prediction

Both teams will be dealing with fatigue, but Cleveland's offensive depth and recent momentum give it a slight advantage. If the Cavaliers can avoid another slow start and maintain the defensive effort they showed Wednesday after halftime, they should be able to earn their fourth straight victory.

Cleveland Cavaliers 120, Atlanta Hawks 115